Building Information
Modelling
Is BIM training fully accessible to
all those in the supply chain?

Building homes for the future?
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Talk to Sky about the
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buyers want
Whoever your new builds are aimed at, your buyers
will be looking for digital entertainment that keeps pace
with technology. Increasingly, that means Sky±HD.

Our Specialist Installation Team can work directly with
you, or your chosen contractors, to fit this future-proof
solution. So arrange a free survey today.

By integrating a ‘5 cable IRS’ system and having 2 signal
feeds to each satellite point (the only way of getting all
the features Sky±HD offers), your residents will be able
to enjoy TV the way they want it. And that makes your
properties even more attractive to potential buyers.

Go to sky.com/newbuild or call 08442 411 717
Sky TV: Sky box and Sky TV subscription required for customers to receive Sky digital programming. Only compatible with digital satellite. Two satellite feeds required for full Sky±HD functionality. You
must get all consents required (e.g. landlord’s). General: Minimum Sky TV, Sky±HD subscriptions are 12 months. Further terms apply. Calls cost up to 5.1p per minute and up to 13.1p connection fee for BT
customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Information only applies to residential customers in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Information correct at 5 April 2013.

ecovery efforts in Oklahoma City are now underway following the devastation that
was caused by a 1.3-mile-wide tornado. Along with a school, which was entirely
destroyed, the residents of Moore saw their homes torn apart – it is estimated some
13,000 buildings were affected and at least 24 people have been announced dead. Our
thoughts go out to the community, which must now endure the painstaking task of rebuilding
homes and lives.
Although no restitution for the damage caused, there are a number of organisations on hand
to help with the aftermath and aid the rebuild process. Architecture for Humanity is just one
not-for-profit organisation in the process of developing its long-term response to the Oklahoma
disaster. The agency helps to support local and regional construction professionals and ensures
communities are left safer and stronger. For more information on the service and pledge your
support, visit www.architectureforhumanity.org

Terms and Conditons:

Meanwhile in this issue, FC&A profiles a flexible design concept, which has been implemented
for Miscrosoft Research’s new HQ in Cambridge. At the heart of the build is a commitment to
sustainability achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. Also in this month’s edition, aluminium facade
systems specialist Technal unveils its redevelopment project at Yarm School, which has delivered
state-of-the-art teaching accommodation and an outstanding venue.

Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned
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No responsibility will be taken for drawings, photographs or literary
contributions during transmission or in the editors hands. In the
absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary,
photographics or artistic belongs to Mixed Media Information Ltd.
The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements
appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial
material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the view of the
publisher. The Publisher does not accept any liability of any loss arising
from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

I hope you enjoy this issue. To access all the latest features and supplier information in this
month’s issue, don’t forget you can download, free of charge, FC&A’s dedicated state-of-the-art
app for smart phones and tablets! Concise and user-friendly, this resource is ideal for architects
and specifiers on the move and need information and knowledge fast. Simply scan the code on
the reader response card to start downloading.

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03

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Online Enquiry 003

News
14

Voice of the Industry:
Saracen Interiors’ Joint Managing Director, Mike Page, talks
to FC&A about exploring new territory in order to get a
competitive advantage.

24

Legal & Business:
How can you be a demanding purchaser without being a
difficult customer? Pedro Paulo, CEO of Gatewit explains how.

06

Features
22

Building Information Modelling:
In order to fully utilise the benefits of BIM, a thorough
training programme must be implemented, but are the
opportunities accessible for the whole supply chain?

26

Disability:
Robin Tuffley, Marketing Manager at Clos-o-Mat, looks at
the latest developments for accommodating the needs of
disabled people.

32

Structural:
For any product, ‘Lean and Green’ is a modelling approach
that can help redesign global supply chains to be costefficient, as demonstrated by X-LAM Alliance.

36

11

RAIN/SuDS:
The opportunities presented by drainage may appear prosaic,
but SuDS are encouraging designers to think more creatively
about landscaping.

38

Doors & Entrance Systems:
Gain vital space through the specification of cleverly designed
gear systems for sliding and folding doors with PC Henderson.

40

CIH Preview:
Taking place from 25-27th June, CIH Conference and
Exhibition is the ideal venue to benefit from a wealth of
strategic ideas, hands-on practical advice and solutions.

Portfolios
06

28

Greenhouse:
A flexible design concept has been implemented for
Miscrosoft Research’s new HQ in Cambridge. At the heart
of the build is a commitment to sustainability achieving a
BREEAM Excellent rating.

11

Sustainability in Development:
Fletcher Rae reflects on the responsibility of the architect to
drive forward sustainable design solutions and promote change
through engagement and dialogue with all stakeholders.

Flexible
T
design concept
Microsoft Research, one of the largest and most
respected software research organisations in the
world, has moved its European Research headquarters
to a new 83,500ft2 building at 21 Station Road, in
Cambridge. This project is the first completed office
building in the regeneration of Brookgate’s CB1 Station
Area, setting the standard for this high quality scheme.

The brief outlined a provision
of animated street frontages

06

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he redevelopment of the 25
acre site – located in the heart
of Cambridge’s central business
district – will provide a state-ofthe-art transport interchange as well as
a new public square, prestigious ‘grade A’
offices, premium residential, retail and hotel
space and purpose-built student residence
accommodation.
Twenty One Station Road has stimulated
the delivery of this new professional
quarter, being the first new private office
development in Cambridge in over 23
years. The measured success of this
landmark building was attracting Microsoft
Research Limited, one of the largest
and most respected software research
organisations in the world, from their outof-town location, to a sustainable location
with greatly reduced car parking. Brookgate

Greenhouse

The design of the new space is
subtle, functional yet high quality

Active frontages
The brief also outlined a provision
of animated street frontages that are
not only sympathetic to occupiers’
requirements, but are also in accordance
with the planning elements of scale, mass,
architectural rhythm, urban spaces, grain
and footprint.
Microsoft Research’s new premises

includes a 125-seat raked auditorium and
ante space, flexible lecture space, 300+
studies and open plan spaces for staff, open
and closed collaboration spaces, prototype
and testing labs, a cafe and garden terrace,
a gym, and a 5th floor terrace and meeting
suite.
The seven-storey, 83,500ft2 building was
designed by Chetwood Architects. Leading,
international multi-disciplinary engineering
consultancy, Hilson Moran was responsible
for the mechanical and electrical services
design and sustainability as well as fire
engineering, lift and facade access and
acoustics.
The building delivers virtually columnfree spaces achieving 86% NIA/GIA
ratios and enabling natural light to be
provided throughout. Core communal
spaces encourage interaction and social
engagement. There are areas for external
visitors which further act as a break out
space for the auditorium, which is capable
of holding public exhibitions, but also
be closed down for the exclusive use of
internal researchers.
The interior design for Microsoft
Research was undertaken by Pringle
Brandon Perkins+Will, which assisted in
selecting the new location and building, and
developed the strategic brief, concept and
design for the interior spaces, in addition
to working with Brookgate to adjust the
shell and core to Microsoft Research’s
requirements.
The design of the new space is
subtle, functional yet high quality. It
inspires collaboration and is a canvas for
researchers to generate ideas. Almost
every surface is writable and has the
best quality technology integration for
collaborating both physically and virtually.
While Brookgate developed the building

for Microsoft Research, it also wanted
to make sure that provisions for future
tenants were incorporated throughout the
structural design to maximise the flexibility
of the building long-term, including some to
accommodate split tenancy and increased
floor area for future tenants. A full height
atrium is at the heart of the building,
along with two internal accommodation
stairs joined together, allowing future infill
providing rebates and couplers into the
edge beams and enabling a lightweight slab,
supported on steel beams, to be inserted
in the future.
Building services installations, designed
by Hilson Moran, ensure that systems are
suitable for future tenant division, with split
mechanical and electrical services risers,
additional drainage and domestic water
connections. The shell and core plant has
built-in additional capacity to service the
needs of the current and future tenant – in
excess of BCO guidelines 2009. ‘Soft spots’
were also designed into the slabs to allow
connections to the tenant plant room to
be formed in the future without adversely
affecting the ground floor slab.

Green vision
Sustainability including green travel,
environmental wellbeing and energy
performance is at the heart of both the
CB1 masterplan and the project. Hilson
Moran was the sustainability consultant for
the new office building, which achieved a
BREEAM (2008) rating of ‘Excellent’. It also
achieved a 42.7% Part L improvement over
a typical office building assessed under the
Part L 2006 assessment methodology.
The facade and atrium design minimises
solar gain while maintaining excellent levels
of daylight. The facade solution includes
high performance glazing, external solar

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t

pre-let the building to Microsoft Research
on a 20 year lease.
The brief for Twenty One Station Road
was to develop a contemporary office
space over seven floors with dedicated
basement parking; floor plates to
maximise efficiency and flexibility; almost
column-free interiors; the potential to
incorporate executive meeting suites; client
entertainment facilities and garden terraces.

07

Greenhouse

Microsoft Research’s new premises includes a 125-seat raked auditorium and ante
space, flexible lecture space, 300+ studies and open and closed collaboration spaces

Core communal spaces encourage
interaction and social engagement

Sustainable services
Other sustainability features include: a
central bin store specifically including
recyclable waste provided in the basement;
a 21m2 array of solar thermal collector
providing nearly 20% of the annual hot
water load, displacing 2 tonnes of carbon
dioxide annually; the drainage system
incorporating a SuDs system including
both rainwater harvesting and attenuation.
A grey water harvesting system is also
provided and water saving taps, urinals,
WCs and showers.
Green travel features were also a key

08

element. The building is within 250m of the
nearest railway and bus stations, including
the recently completed guided bus route.
There are over 300 secure cycle spaces,
with changing and shower facilities above
those required for BREEAM, which means
that just over 40% of the predicted building
occupants can make use of these cycle
spaces. There are also a limited number
of car parking spaces available, resulting in
less than one space per 22 occupants – to
encourage the use of the public transport
system.
Innovative design features combined
with its prime location as part of the CB1
masterplan have ensured that Twenty One
Station Road meets the very specific and
demanding requirements of a global leader
in the technology sector, while making a
positive impact on the regeneration of
Cambridge.
The arrival of Microsoft Research
to Twenty One Station Road has also
boosted CB1’s technology hub status and
attracted international technology firm
ARM to the development. A new business
centre dedicated to providing flexible,
fully-serviced office space for start-up

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companies and small businesses has also
being created, and open for business.
Twenty One Station Road also
recently won the regional East of England
‘Commercial’ category at the RICS Award
2013.

■

shading and integral inter-pane blinds.
The building services equipment is
designed to enhance seasonal operating
efficiencies, reducing overall consumption
of energy through the use of high efficiency
plant, fittings, heat recovery units and
integrated BMS and lighting control
systems. Energy efficient services plant was
incorporated, which includes high efficiency
Turbocore Air Cooled Chillers, ensuring
Part L 2010 compliance and an EPC ‘B’ (38)
rating. Solar thermal hot water pre-heat
was also included in the design.

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xxx

Sustainability in Development

Taking the initiative
Bob Fletcher, Joint Managing Director of North West-based architects, Fletcher Rae
reflects on the responsibility of the architect to drive forward sustainable design solutions
and promote change through engagement and dialogue with all stakeholders.

Fletcher Rae recently designed Nestlé’s new
manufacturing and distributing facility in Buxton

meeting the demands of climate change.
We must continually consider a wide range
of factors – these include: site and building
orientation; weather tightness and robust
detailing; re-use of arisings from demolition;
elimination of construction waste to
landfill; water management; improved
management of thermal comfort; insulation
levels; use of renewable materials;
exploitation of natural light sources; the
harnessing of energy from renewable
sources; and sustainable transport
provisions – the list goes on!
One development which illustrates these
points is a scheme we recently designed for
a student development in Lincolnshire. The
proposed scheme comprised 224 postgraduate rooms over eight storeys – with a
common room, enterprise centre, gym and
ancillary facilities on the ground floor. The
site is classed as brownfield and is bounded
by a railway line to the immediate north,
and existing buildings to the south and east.
The west elevation faces directly onto a
main road, in close proximity to a wharf
and waterfront buildings.

Because the client’s aspiration was for
a highly sustainable scheme, we were able
to incorporate these elements into the
concept design. Features, such as a large
roof area, allow the provision of thermal
solar hot water, while glazing in the rooms
has been orientated to allow for oblique
views out towards the street and to the
waterfront. This mitigates any potential
issues with boundary conditions and
provides large expanses of south-facing
vertical walls, which allow for the installation
of extensive banks of photo voltaic panels.
The boiler plant has also been designed to
be fuelled, in part, by bio fuel, using waste oil
from the food industry.
Given that these are readily available
eco design features, the question should
be: what’s the next step? The challenge is
to examine a more holistic approach to
the development of our environment –
aggregating strategies where, historically,
individual developments were considered
in isolation. We often have the opportunity
to consider large landholdings for a phased
strategic development, which may take 10

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t

P

oliticians have been pushing the
sustainability agenda for the last
two decades and, sad to say, the
commercial property industry
has been dragged kicking and screaming
to the table. Over the last five to 10 years,
design solutions have evolved to a point
where sustainability in design is now a
key component of an architect’s role as a
consequence of legislation, planning policy
and more recently clients criteria as a
positive must-have from a commercial
perspective. That’s great; job done; we
should all give ourselves a collective pat on
the back.
Well, not quite. Having taken the building
envelope – and its immediate demise –
to approaching the limits of commercial
viability and sustainable performance,
where do we go from here? What’s
more, who drives the next generation of
sustainable milestones – the client, the
developer or the architect?
As architects, we have a desire to leave a
lasting legacy; one that means our buildings
are well-considered in their approach to

11

Sustainability in Development
years to develop out. However, both the
economic and design model have to be right.
We were recently instructed to look
at a 175-acre former Coalite site, at
Bolsover, which has remained derelict and
unremediated for 30 years. In that time,
no viable strategy has emerged. One of
the main inhibitors has been a complete
mismatch between a pre-recession local
structure plan and the current market
drivers and needs – with the end result
being complete inertia. We are fortunate,
however, to enjoy a long-standing
relationship with an informed developer
who understands the contemporary
challenges of such complex sites. Through
this partnership, we have been allowed to

develop a viable masterplan solution for
a sustainable mixed-use development of
50,000m2 of industrial commercial space.
The scheme will also comprise a major
residential component of 850 homes and
extra care facility with an energy centre at
its core.
The energy centre is based on anaerobic
digestion (AD) and pyrolysis technology.
AD is a series of processes in which microorganisms break down biodegradable
material in a sealed reactor or holding tank
in the absence of Oxygen. The process
generates a biogas, which can then be
used to drive a reciprocating engine or gas
turbine to generate electricity. Pyrolysis is
a thermo chemical breakdown of organic

materials at elevated temperatures in the
absence of oxygen. Pyrolysis differs from
other high-temperature processes like
combustion and hydrolysis in that it usually
does not involve reactions with oxygen,
water, or any other reagents.
It will provide electricity at a reduced
cost for the industrial development,
together with secondary heat and steam
for use in a district heating system.
The energy centre, combined with
contemporary sustainable construction
methods, means that the project should
achieve ‘Level Six Zero Carbon Housing’
– in line with the Government’s road map
for new homes to become net-zero carbon
by 2016.
This means that extremely low energy
costs and the highest levels of thermal
insulation efficiency in construction,
for both householders and commercial
occupiers, makes the development an
extremely attractive proposition for
relocation when considering the running
costs and re-sale values. The heat can
further be converted to cooling for the
commercial elements of the projects
giving an efficiency of better than 90%
on generation. Given the capital costs for
establishing a central energy centre of up
to £35m, the facility must generate a good
rate of return financially over 25 to 30
years to be fundable and viable in the first
instance.

Green initiatives

Fletcher Rae acted as the lead design
consultant on the entire Nestle project

12

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This project is an example of what I
believe that we should always be doing
– pushing boundaries to achieve a more
sustainable environment. This opportunity
presents itself in a strategic master
plan development of mixed or sameuse buildings, where real consideration

Sustainability in Development

■

can be given to the strategies of the
‘circular economy’, closing environmental
and energy loops within an overall
development. This has never been truer
than in today’s economic climate, where
clients will only favour green initiatives
that can be objectively measured and that
include short-term performance outcomes
that can be quickly reported on.
Let’s face it, cost will always be a factor,
but the onus is on us as designers to
demonstrate innovative and commerciallyviable initiatives that provide solutions
with an enduring legacy. Ultimately, the
final decision on any scheme will fall on the
client, but industry experts have a vital role
in influencing the quality and direction of
developing the built environment. Sadly, our
modern-day culture is one that thrives on
disposability and our global supply chains
are driven by profitability, not a desire to
reduce energy consumption. That’s why the
communities where we live, work and play
need to be reconsidered in the full context
of sustainability. This will have an impact
on local plan policy, business and lifestyle
adjustments, commodity and consumable
production, and how we use waste as a
resource.
So, whose responsibility is it to put
these ideas into practice? The broad stroke
answer is everyone. However, as architects,
clients rely on us to provide commercial
and social innovation, to make a distinction
and advance the delivery of our projects.
The skill sets and technology solutions
required to do this are already available –
the onus, therefore, shifts to the architect
to present viable solutions and promote
change through engagement and dialogue
with all stakeholders.

The new production lines have enabled Nestlé Waters
to significantly reduce its total energy output

www.fletcher-rae.com

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13

Voice of the Industry

Heading off the T
beaten track
The ongoing failure of the UK economy to pick up has
greatly affected the construction industry at large, with
nobody expecting to see any real signs of recovery
before 2014. Michael Page, Joint Managing Director of
office interiors specialist, Saracen Interiors, believes that
those who will recover quickest and remain bouyant
through the continuing tough times are those who
widen their reach and seek out new business.

Slow recovery
In the commercial sector, construction
activity still remains subdued. Any recovery
in this arena – and retail construction – is
not expected to begin until at least 2014
and is anticipated to be slow.
Like other sectors, the trend in the
commercial sector is to shift away from
capital intensive new build projects
towards refurbishment and fit out.
Although potentially good news for the fit
out contractor, the flipside is that there
is increased competition from the larger
contractors who wouldn’t have chased
such projects a few years ago. The profile
of the competition seems to be changing
across the board with many contractors
wearing each other’s clothes in a bid to
increase turnover. In the absence of a glut
of large construction projects, the main
contractor has little choice but to muscle
in on the domain of the fit out contractors.
Needless to say, it works both ways.
The reduced scale of the construction
projects presents opportunity to a range
of specialist contractors and service
offerings are being redefined by many in a
bid to replace lost turnover and to stay in
business.
Trees that bend in the wind tend not
to break and we all need to follow the
direction of the wind in order to survive.
Our policy has always been to put
ourselves in our customers’ shoes and to
provide them with the services that they
need as well as the ones that they expect
from us. We’ve approached this from a
commercial perspective, in the last 12
months, acknowledging that customers
who may not be in a position to have a

t

The reduced scale of the construction projects presents
opportunity to a range of specialist contractors

he general output in the UK
construction sector fell by 6.3%
in January. Figures show that
the sector has indeed shrunk
every month for the last six months and
it is predicted that public sector work,
in particular, will have fallen almost 20%
between 2010 and 2014. Forecasts, in
general, have been downgraded as the
economy has been unable to improve.
The Confederation of British Industry
(CBI) is calling for the government to
spend £1.25bn on affordable housing
to generate more money for the wider
economy and to create more jobs. The
business secretary,Vince Cable, has also
called for increased government borrowing
to fund housebuilding. So what can those
contractors who aren’t housebuilders,
and sub-contractors, who are also feeling
the pinch, do to survive unscathed in a
hardened market?

14

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Structural

DECORATIVE
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Mainly for anti-slip use and rated R10 to R11, for use in
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Can be processed, toughened and laminated to maximum
size of 3210mm x 2250mm.
Further information is available from our sales and
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The trend in the commercial sector is to shift
away from capital intensive new build projects
towards refurbishment and fit out

■

Moving off track and exploring new territory isn’t
neccesarily about treading on other contractors’ toes

is likely down to capital expenditure. Cost
is always high up the pecking order when
choosing a contractor, so it’s important not
to lose sight of that and keep capital costs
and ongoing costs significantly less than the
competition.
Moving off track and exploring new
territory isn’t neccesarily about treading on
other contractors’ toes. It’s about raising
the bar and securing business by pushing
a new tailored service offering to the fore
that fits all your clients’ needs.

full fit out may require some refurbishment
work to plug the gap, while those who can’t
move at the moment may require some
support with office churn.
For the canny fit out expert, there is
much to offer besides the brass tacks of
fit out, depending on the sector. Saracen
Interiors specialises in office fit out. Earlier
this year, we launched three new divisions –
Saracen Facilities, Saracen Small Works and
Saracen Move Management – to highlight
a commitment to a new flexible working
order, where every client’s requirement in
relation to their built environment counts.

One-stop-shop philosophy
Facilities was launched as customer
demand for facilities management took
off. Again, the economy played its part. We
had been supplying this service to a lot of
existing clients primarily because it made
sense – we’d fitted out their buildings and
so we knew best how to maintain them.
In the last couple of years, however,
demand for this service has been driven by
agents attempting to renegotiate contracts
and wrestle power back from the larger
FM companies as well as clients looking

16

for a cost-effective solution by sourcing all
their service requirements from a one-stop
shop.
Saracen Move Management has found its
legs by engaging with the one-stop-shop
philosophy – we’ll fit out your building,
carry out refurbishments, maintain your
services, look after your building and take
care of office churn then we’ll oversee
your move when it’s time to move on.
The final piece of the jigsaw is the
crucial piece, as always. Small Works was
launched in recognition of the importance
of the lesser value projects. It doesn’t take
a recession for the dedicated contractor
to embrace the ‘no job is too small’
philosophy. Under this banner, we take on
a wide variety of projects ranging from a
lick of paint to a full scale fit out. Although
the contracts Small Works takes on don’t
have an equal financial value to our other
contracts, we always give them equal
importance. Smaller jobs can lead to bigger
jobs and, of course, other smaller jobs.
The key is in remembering that the
reason why some clients are refurbishing,
fitting out and engaging with office churn
rather than opting for new build or a move

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www.saraceninteriors.com

Michael Page is Joint Managing
Director of Saracen Interiors.
With over 20 years’ experience in
the construction industry, Mike has
a strong design and space planning
background.

For a faster response 12/13
visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

17

Door Systems

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s commitment to democracy
is reflected in the provision of equal access for all

Relcross equalizers
aid democracy
The doors of Aylesbury Vale’s Council Chamber can
be now opened and closed by Relcross LCN Auto
Equalizers. Both entrances to the Oculus at the
Council’s Gateway offices and conference centre in
Aylesbury feature two pairs of double doors at either
end of an entrance vestibule.

18

Hudman of installer Rowsman suggested
the pneumatic powered Relcross system
as he has had considerable success with it
before.
The system has three main components.
Firstly the door operator, the Relcross
LCN REL.4800 Auto Equalizer. When the
switch is actuated, air pressure is used to
overcome the resistance of the spring to
open the door. When the air is released the
spring and hydraulics take over, closing the
door in a controlled mechanical fashion.
Secondly, each system – or group
of doors – has a separate controller
incorporating one air valve per door or
pair of doors. Controllers are custom built
to give optimum performance for each
installation.
Thirdly, all Auto Equalizer systems are
reliant upon a source of compressed air to
power them.The capacity of the compressor
is selected carefully at the specification stage
to accommodate the likely traffic profile (i.e.
frequency of use of doors) and the distances

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The Oculus forms the largest conference
room in the Gateway Conference Centre

involved between the compressor and the
doors to be controlled.
The Relcross Auto Equalizer has been
independently tested to over three
million full load cycles and requires only
occasional, minimal servicing of the
compressor, usually with easily available
proprietary components.

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■

A

ll the doors Aylesbury Vale have
been fitted with Auto Equalizers
controlled by wall mounted push
pads that each open and close
one pair of doors. Additionally, two single
doors that provide access to the toilet
facilities adjacent to the main room have
been similarly equipped.
Aylesbury Vale District Council’s
commitment to democracy at all levels of
its activities is reflected in the provision
of equal access for all as promoted by the
Equality Act of 2010 and its predecessor
the 1995 DDA. What better way to
demonstrate this than to ensure that the
large, heavy doors to the central focus of
local democracy can be opened by any
of the council’s electorate. The Oculus
forms the largest conference room in the
Gateway Conference Centre located at the
Aylesbury Vale Council HQ.
Many standard door closers could not
be fitted to doors of this size or could not
cope with the fire specifications. Roger

Building Information Modelling
co.uk is for it to be the complete toolkit
that architects, consultants and designers
need to deliver their BIM projects.
Contained within the resource centre
is the BIM Library, an extensive bank of
pioneering BIM objects which cater for
both experienced BIM designers and those
who have recently invested in software and
training and are testing it for the first time.

Contour Casings is the first UK company to
offer a fully BIM-integrated fabrication website

Design flexibility

BIM is the hot topic on the lips of construction industry
professionals throughout the UK and Europe. An
acronym for building information modelling, BIM
involves the creation and use of coordinated data
about a building project or asset, with all stakeholders
working from one central digital model.

B

IM is revolutionising design,
decision making, clash detection,
estimation, scheduling and
predictive performance
planning during a building’s full life-cycle.
By modelling the building in the virtual
environment first; problems are detected
before construction begins, guaranteeing
the building is constructed correctly first
time, every time.
The Government began a phased rollout
over five-years beginning summer 2012,
with a view to converting all appropriate
projects into a 3D collaborative BIM
environment operating at Level 2 on the
UK BIM index by 2016.
However, despite BIM being recognised
as a vehicle with which time and cost
savings can be levied, there does exist
a myriad of questions and hurdles to
consider when implementing BIM into an
architectural practise or M/E consultancy.
With the implementation of BIM
rapidly gathering pace amongst
building design professionals, legislative
questions regarding who has overarching
responsibility for the BIM model itself and

20

the importance of communicating changes
are now coming to the fore.
It has also been concluded from
numerous industry reports that a distinct
lack of high-quality BIM components was
one barrier to full adoption within the
industry, with those that are available, not
containing sufficient background data to
allow the full potential of BIM to be levied.

■

Full to the BIM

Contour’s dynamic, intelligent and flexible
BIM components are hosted alongside a full
range of product specification downloads,
all available via a series of unique Quick
Links, in PDF, JPEG and DWG formats.
Contour’s BIM content is loaded with
exhaustive background data, allowing preemptive decisions to be made throughout
the full life-cycle of a building. Contour’s
BIM content has been built to allow
maximum design flexibility for the user,
with each model containing a multitude of
user-controlled design options.
Many of Contour’s BIM components
have been built parametrically, allowing the
user to ‘stretch’ the objects into a range of
sizes and shapes, with a dynamic rendering
capacity which applies an array of vibrant
finishes. Each component is supplied with
a detailed user guide which outlines how
to import the model and tailor it to a
project’s individual requirements.
Vibrant case studies and client
testimonials bring Contour’s solutions to
life, which in addition to comprehensive
technical information, allows the user to
identify, create and specify the correct
solution quickly and with confidence.
Contour’s data-rich BIM content can
be downloaded fast and for free at www.
contourcasings.co.uk

Online resource
As the primary advantage of designing using
BIM is the ability to extract comprehensive
information at various stages of the design
and asset management process, the ability to
easily source and incorporate data-rich BIM
objects will be fundamental going forward.
An early frontrunner in the provision of
high-quality BIM components are Contour
Casings, who are the first UK company
to offer a fully BIM-integrated fabrication
website. At the heart of Contour’s new
website is the technical Resource Centre,
which includes an extensive range of BIM,
DWG, project and product files – which can
be instantly downloaded fast and for free.
The concept behind contourcasings.

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Contained within the resource centre is the BIM
Library, an extensive bank of pioneering BIM objects

*

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enquiries@contourcasings.co.uk
01952 290498
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21

Building Information Modelling

Seeking essential guidance?
In order to fully utilise the benefits of BIM, a thorough training programme must be considered, but
are the opportunities accessible for the whole supply chain? A number of BIM experts and users talk
FC&A through the steps, approach or view they take on training within the model.

Andy Almond
Partner at Pick Everard Architects

Michael McCullen
Executive Chairman,
Asta Development
The speed of adoption of BIM is picking up,
but many are still unsure of how to make full
use of it, what tools are available and how to
use them. Everyone involved in the process
needs to understand how their role will be
changed by BIM and to prepare for working
collaboratively. Our customers have been
telling us there is a real training need for
not just education on what BIM is all about,
but also for gaining ‘hands on’ experience
of working with software tools and building
a model. In response, we recently launched
a training workshop in conjunction with
Northumbria University and the BIM Academy.
This has been designed to show how the use
of BIM models, tools and processes can assist
in the planning process and to develop an
understanding of the common issues involved
for working collaboratively with a BIM model.

22

We began our Revit training programme at Pick Everard
three years ago with the architectural discipline. Having
delivered that phase successfully, we rolled out training
for our structural engineering team earlier than planned,
enabling us to link these two services in the BIM environment.
Building services followed last year, once the software was
compatible with UK standards. Part of our strategy has been
to create a core team to mentor new users and to be Revit
‘champions’. We began with teams attending a three-day Revit
Basic Essentials course, held in-house but provided by an
external Autodesk training centre. This was followed by a two-day advanced course. Through
experience, we revised our approach; a flexible, but intensive, five day in-house course gave us
the ability to train staff ahead of new commissions and to tailor training to the project. Users
moved straight from training to a live Revit project, which was highly effective.

Julia Evans
Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders
In 2012, the NFB conducted a survey of SME contractors to
assess several elements that may affect whether they are, or will
be, competitive within a BIM-driven market by 2016. The results
of that survey indicated a widespread awareness of BIM and
recognition of its likely importance to respondents’ businesses, but
also a low level of understanding. With the support of CITB, the
NFB’s programme of support recognises that the adoption of BIM
within organisations is more about best practice and collaborative
behaviours than it is about technology. The software to support
BIM is already out there and there are many software companies
ready, willing and able to provide support in that area. The NFB’s
programme of activity instead focuses around people and process,
helping companies to unlock their potential to achieve the cost
efficiencies and improvements that adoption of BIM can bring.

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ÂŠ Speller Metcalfe

Professor David Boyd
Director of Centre for
Environment and Society
Research at Birmingham
School of the Built
Environment

Ashley Poole-Graham Assistant
Environmental Manager at Speller Metcalfe
Having now trained up an original base of staff, we have identified
the various departments that will be trained in BIM and developed
a bespoke training programme for each. Our BIM project strategy
incorporates a training template that follows what our BIM
champions have identified as appropriate or relevant, which at
top level includes Revit Essentials, Revit Content Creation and
Standards and Management training workshops; these elements have
already been undertaken by the Ecobuild team through a series of
external workshops. Internally, we have developed our resources as
learning tools; our BIM library houses a range of articles, journals
and reports that will aid in the training process and inform users.
We are also recording any findings, mistakes and processes that
will contribute to a Speller Metcalfe skills database that others can access, and any family files
(components) previously created are stored to save time on future modelling.

Rob Charlton
Chief Executive at BIM Technologies
For us, training falls into two very distinct categories. Firstly
there is the training in the use of the software itself. This is
about skills and techniques. The second level of training is
in relation to change management and explaining how the
approach within construction needs to be adjusted to allow
the adoption of Building Information Modelling. BIM is more
than just a software solution and requires a complete rethink
of how the industry designs, constructs and operates buildings.
To achieve the maximum benefit from such an approach, the
whole supply chain has to have an appreciation of the approach
and has to be able to utilise the data as it flows from the
outset of the project to operation. For this reason training and
understanding across the complete supply chain from designers, constructors, sub contractors
and operators is imperative.

There is a great move to produce training on
the technicalities of BIM. This is essential but
not sufficient. It is the way that BIM is used in
organisations and by people that is as important.
BIM is merely a tool and people need training
in learning to organise its use effectively. As well
as technical training there is a larger need for
learning about organisational design around BIM
and people utilisation of BIM. At the moment,
these are just assumed to happen effectively
because of the all-powerful model. This is not
the case and organisations need to grasp the
technology and integrate it effectively.

Stephen Hamil
Head of BIM at NBS
Before investing money in BIM, there are a
number of great places on the internet where
people can learn about the principles for free.
For instance, on the NBS website theNBS.com/
BIM, there are well over 100 articles written
by experts from all sectors of the construction
industry that can help inform potential users.
There also exists a number of informative
LinkedIn groups and free conferences to look
out for. Finally, in terms of free support, most of
the institutes are now delivering online guidance,
publications and events. Once you have decided
to start on the BIM journey, it is crucial that
there is top-down commitment in your
organisation to deliver changes.You will also
need advocates, who are prepared to help drive
things through and provide support to others.

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23

Legal & Business

Ensuring high quality of
a supplier’s components
can positively affect an
organisation’s end product,
and the timely delivery
of these components is
crucial to how a business
customers view its
reliability, and can minimise
inventory; reducing
obsolescence and lowering
cash needs. Pedro
Paulo, CEO of Gatewit,
explains why a demanding
purchaser doesn’t have to
be a difficult purchaser.

Transparency can be established by ensuring that the qualification
and selection process is known by all prospective suppliers

A

business’s dependence on
its suppliers is key to its
productivity and profitability. A
business can enjoy a competitive
advantage based on its suppliers’ price,
quality, reliability, technology, and industry
knowledge. Businesses rely on their
suppliers, so it’s in their interests to have
the best possible relationship. Being on bad
terms with suppliers could have an obvious
detrimental effect on a business so it’s
important to maintain a relationship which
is as positive as possible.
However, as the current economic
climate demands that purse strings become
ever tighter, tough conversations must be
had between businesses and their suppliers.
A delicate balance must be found
if a business is to cut its costs whilst
maintaining a healthy relationship with its
supply chain.But there are steps that a
business can take to ensure that being a
demanding customer doesn’t mean being a
difficult customer.
Before the relationship has begun,
transparency can be established by
ensuring that the qualification and selection
process is known by all prospective
suppliers. Tension can arise otherwise,
with suppliers unsure as to why their bid
was not successful. This can also dissuade
suppliers from future interactions with a
company, which may be to the purchaser’s
detriment.

Effective negotiation

Pedro Paulo is CEO of Gatewit,
a leading IT service provider and
platform developer.
The company designs, develops,
supports and promotes software
applications using state-of-the-art and
secure technology. Gatewit specialises
in public sector and corporate
eProcurement.

24

Once selected, contract terms should
be negotiated, ensuring compliance with
all eligibility and selection criterion, and
establishing awareness of the penalties for
breach of contract.
During these negotiations, it’s important
that expected quality standards and
delivery schedules are well described
and correctly interpreted by the supplier.
And suppliers should be held to their
agreement – allowing a supplier to break
contract terms sets a precedent for future
defaults.

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However, it’s important that
organisations make sure that they have a
sufficient database to validate negotiations
with another supplier if theirs cannot
guarantee delivery. And, in order to keep
costs down, businesses should ensure their
suppliers remain competitive by regularly
requesting quotations, and always using
more than one supplier in the bidding
process.
While this may all sound demanding, the
purchaser too must ensure that it fulfils its
side of the contract.
Always paying on time, for example,
will increase trust the supplier’s trust in
a business. A purchaser can negotiate for
favourable payment terms before they
place an order but, once that order is
placed, shouldn’t attempt to change the
rules. If they can’t pay, they should contact
the supplier to let them know why and
when they will be able to complete
payment.

Establishing trust
Purchasers should always try to give their
suppliers as much lead time as possible
on orders, keeping them informed of any
significant changes.
And to further increase their suppliers’
trust, purchasers should involve them in
aspects of their business strategy, treating
them as key partners which are involved
in their company’s success. They should
keep preferred suppliers aware of what’s
going on in their company – changes
in key personnel, new products, special
promotions and the like.
In return, good suppliers may be able to
help find new customers for the purchaser.
So, by establishing a transparent, trusting
two-way relationship, with all rules clearly
set and agreed from the start, companies
can strike that precious balance between
maintaining a good relationship with
reliable suppliers, and finding the best
possible prices and service levels.

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25

Disability
For the average business, disabled customers may
already account for up to 20% of the customer base

Places toilet. Whatever description, all
provide enough space, a hoist and a
changing bench. They also advise that,
where space is an issue, a unisex accessible
washroom or toilet takes precedence, in
that it can be used by all.

Facility upgrade

Robin Tuffley, Marketing Manager at Clos-o-Mat, the
UK’s leading supplier of disabled toileting solutions,
looks at the latest developments impacting on
accommodating the needs of disabled people away
from the home environment.

C

ommercially aware clients are
increasingly acknowledging
the need to accommodate
disabled people’s requirements
– through to going to the toilet when away
from home.
Statistics show the UK’s registered
disabled population of 11million people
has a combined annual spending power
of £80bn. Figures released by VisitEngland
show overnight trips made by, or
accompanied by, someone with a health
impairment or condition account for £2bn
per annum. Research also reveals that
83% of disabled people ‘walked away’ from
inaccessible or unwelcoming businesses,
or made a conscious decision not to visit
somewhere if they believed there were not
suitable, clean toilet facilities for them.
For the average business, disabled
customers may already account for up to
20% of the customer base, and that people
make a conscious decision not to visit
somewhere if they believe they cannot
go to the toilet in clean and appropriate
washrooms. There is therefore a sound
commercial argument for accommodating

26

disabled people’s toileting needs, regardless
of any legal issues.
The 2010 Equality Act, which replaced
the DDA, requires that if a disabled
person would be at a substantial
disadvantage, reasonable changes to the
built environment must be made: that
includes accessing toilet facilities. By law,
adequate toilet and washing facilities have
to be provided for employees/users and
the needs of people with disabilities have
to be considered. But designers often
forget that many disabled people have, and
need, carers to take them to the toilet. As
a result, many ‘accessible’ washrooms are
actually inaccessible!
The 2013 Building Regulations Approved
Document M which came into practice just
a couple of months ago, BS6465-4 sanitary
installations of public toilets, BS8300: 2009
accessibility good practice for buildings to
which numbers of the public have access,
the Department for Education’s BB102 and
Statutory Instrument No 2 all now discuss
the importance of ‘bigger and better’
disabled toilets, whether it is termed a
hygiene room, accessible toilet, or Changing

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■

Strategy for
building business

As a minimum, a hygiene room or Changing
Places toilet should be 12m2, and include a
peninsular WC, washbasin, height adjustable
adult sized changing bench, and hoist. In
our experience, many venues installing
such toilet facilities go further, and replace
the standard WC with a ‘wash and dry’
(automatic) toilet. The in-built douching and
drying of a wash and dry toilet enhance
independence and dignity for the user, and
improve hygiene for the user and their
carer(s).
IKEA in Edinburgh is among the
trailblazers meeting the new requirements.
It initially had a Changing Places toilet
installed to optimise accessibility in the
store for shoppers and staff, but within
months upgraded the facility to include
a Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ (automatic)
toilet.
Similarly, The North East’s first free
school, Cramlington Village Primary School
in Cramlington, Northumerland, has had
a fully accessible hygiene room installed,
featuring a height adjustable changing
bench, height adjustable wash basin, hoist
and Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita wash and dry
(automatic) toilet.
To help specifiers quickly and easily
understand the raft of considerations
in designing and specifying beyond the
basic Document M type accessible toilet,
there is a raft of white papers available.
They include accessible toilets beyond
Document M, school toilets and Changing
Places facilities.

www.clos-o-mat.com

IKEA upgraded its facility to include a
Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ (automatic) toilet

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sense of place and identity
To take account of intensive use in the
academic year and out-of-hours use by the
local community
Materials that would be low maintenance
and durable
Introducing high levels of natural light
with the minimum loss of space
Consideration of the visual impact of
the lit building at night and to use this to
help identify the school’s facilities to its
visitors
A high level of acoustic performance to
minimise noise transference
To sensitively improve the river frontage

•
•
•
•
•
•

Y

arm School is an independent
co-educational private day
school near Stockton-on-Tees
in the north east. Associated
Architects were appointed to develop
a masterplan for the school which is
located in the heart of the historic market
town of Yarm. The principle objective
was to provide new buildings capable of
supporting modern teaching practices and
to meet the needs and expectations of
students.
The school has developed considerably
since it was established in 1978. It has
occupied a Grade II listed 18th century

28

Friarage, a number of purpose-built
facilities have been added, and two
residential properties were acquired in
2003.
The school’s plan was to expand the
current teaching facilities on its three sites
in several phases to minimise disruption to
teaching, and to create a state-of-the-art
theatre facility to help deliver its academic
aspirations. The key design requirements
included:
To enhance the experience of staff, pupils
and visitors to the school
To provide facilities that would be
modern, light and welcoming with a strong

•
•

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In this article, Ian Smith, Senior Manager at architectural
aluminium facade systems specialist, Technal, looks at an
ambitious redevelopment project at Yarm School which
has delivered state-of-the-art teaching accommodation
and an outstanding venue for performing arts.

This riverside scheme is generally three
storeys high and has a rectilinear form to
accommodate high specification classrooms

All Technal’s systems were finished in dark blue-grey to complement
the palette of materials selected for the building envelope

Fan construction
The architects selected a considered palette
of materials to create a visually interesting
form for the new senior school buildings.
These included pre-weathered zinc cladding,
rendered panels, western red cedar cladding
and aluminium curtain walling, which were
chosen for their robustness, sustainability
and quality of construction for technical
performance and efficiency.
The most recent phase of the senior
school redevelopment focused on the
construction of a fan-shaped performing arts
centre. This theatre building has a sculptural

form to reflect its importance to the
school. It provides a fully flexible auditorium
capable of seating up to 800 people, and is
connected by a double height entrance foyer
which maximises the stunning views of the
River Tees, to the riverside academic block.
In the auditorium, an acoustic moveable
partition can be drawn across the entrance
to the stage to separate the forestage and
auditorium from the stage area, allowing
concurrent use as a fully independent studio
theatre, and for the auditorium to be used
for assemblies, lectures, music events, exams
or dinner dances.
The main auditorium seating is telescopic
and has been designed to leave a completely
clear flat floor if required. A large stage
elevator that serves an orchestra pit can be
pre-set to various levels, including basement
for an orchestra ensemble, the main
auditorium level or forestage level.
Due to the close proximity to the River
Tees, the internal floor level of the centre
had to be raised above the surrounding
external levels.The auditorium roof is
formed with clear span 40m long curved
steel trusses clad in elongated hexagonal
pre-weathered zinc shingles for the vertical
faces and a combination of faceted roof
glazing and zinc standing seam cladding for
the roof.
Internally a combination of acoustically
reflective, absorptive and diffusive finishes
was selected to provide a high standard

of acoustic performance, suited to the
multifunctional nature of the auditorium.

Striking contrast
The auditorium and stage studio are clad
in 40mm profile European oak timber slats
radiating towards the centre point of the
stage with absorptive or reflective acoustic
backing. An extruded and randomised profile
of the same timber slat is repeated on the
rear auditorium wall to provide a degree of
sound diffusion.
A double height entrance foyer for the
auditorium to make the most of the beautiful
views over the river, was created using
Technal’s GEODE-MX Visible Grid curtain
walling.This system was also used for the
dance studios, classrooms and corridors,
filling the building with natural light.The
GEODE-MX SG Mechanical option was
selected for the music room – this system
allows a flush glass facade and less visible
aluminium.
Technal’s FXi46 window system delivers
high levels of natural ventilation throughout
the project. Large bays of four side hung
casements were inserted into the curtain
walling and interspersed with western red
cedar panels for the classrooms, with top
hung windows and integrated rendered
panels specified for the dance studio. In the
corridor areas, the windows are electrically
operated top hung systems, with contrasting
enamel-stoved glazed spandrel panels also

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29

t

In the redevelopment of the senior school,
which serves around 700 pupils, the
centrepiece is an academic block overlooking
the River Tees and spanning around 3700m2
of combined accommodation. It was
designed to respect the scale and height of
the listed Friarage building.This riverside
scheme is generally three storeys high and
has a rectilinear form to accommodate high
specification classrooms and multi-use dance
and drama group activity studios.
Outside spaces include a courtyard for
quiet contemplation, a series of ‘grand’
steps to provide a central meeting point
and an outdoor terrace with views over the
River Tees towards the hills in the distance.
A combination of paving, decking and
reinforced grass allow for relaxed outdoor
space during regattas.

Design & Desire

Due to the close proximity to the River Tees,
the internal floor level of the centre had to be
raised above the surrounding external levels

30

inserted into the GEODE curtain walling.
According to the Project Architect,
Barbora Bott at Associated Architects: “A key
design element for the glazing was to achieve
large spans with minimum sight lines to allow
extensive daylight penetration and reduce
artificial lighting. We were also looking for
robust, low maintenance aluminium systems
with good U-values, visual consistency across
the project, a high standard of aesthetics, and
value for money.
“Technal’s facade products achieved all
these criteria and have met our expectations.
As a result, we would consider specifying
them for other projects.”
Specially-designed restrictors were used
for the windows to the classrooms, and the
position of the window handles was adjusted
for the office areas on the east elevation, to
allow easy opening of the windows which
spanned floor to ceiling height.
All Technal’s systems were finished in dark
blue-grey to complement the palette of
materials selected for the building envelope
– white render, western red cedar horizontal
panels, anodised aluminium perforated
rainscreen panels, and pre-weathered zinc
cladding.
Low energy features of the project
include a 110m deep ground source heat
pump to provide underfloor heating for

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the whole theatre, solar panels to pre-heat
water for changing rooms and toilet facilities;
high efficiency gas boilers; high level brise
soleil sun shading to reduce solar gain; heat
recovery ventilation, and high levels of natural
light to reduce the artificial lighting demand.
The £20m redevelopment scheme and
its diverse facilities are set to make a lasting
impression on its students and on the local
community, with its creative design for a
bright and modern learning environment.
And in recognition of this success, the
performing arts centre has now been
shortlisted in the RIBA North East Awards
which celebrate the best in architecture and
design in the built environment from across
the region. It is an acknowledgement of a
great building and recognition of the whole
team’s effort, and most importantly, the
school’s vision for high quality design.

Warmagrip is a high quality PVC
coated steel tube handrail system,
offering the all important “warm to the
touch” requirements set down in the
current Building Regulations.
It’s also quick and easy to install with
internal ﬁttings for a smooth
continuous handrail. Available in
grey and highly visible safety yellow.

For a FREE catalogue or more information:
www.warmagrip.co.uk

marketing@brundle.com

0115 951 2450

Online Enquiry 016

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One such informal relationship changed
to a formal alliance in 2011, when B &
K Structures and the Austrian based
Binderholz, created the X-LAM Alliance.
The partnership brings together two of
the construction industry’s most respected
names with extensive knowledge in the
field of engineered timber. The X-LAM
Alliance formalises a long-standing
working relationship and brings to the
UK construction market a seamless and
integrated way to supply cross laminated
timber.

Secure partnership

With the development
of lean approaches in
construction, there is
an increasing interest
in optimising supply
chain integration to
improve the sourcing of
products, materials and
complementary services,
explains X-LAM Alliance.

32

nstead of competing against each other,
companies are now taking a partnership
approach, whereby, timber frame
manufacturers, for example, are forming
collaborations with downstream envelope
solution providers. The development of
a multi-faceted approach rationalises and
safeguards supply chains and work schedules
can be more effectively planned for
associated and follow-on trades.
Downstream supply chain markets,
impact upon volume of work for upstream
construction firms. This can affect
procurement practices, tendering and
pricing for individual project contracts or
longer term agreements. For example, lack
of integration can impact on the availability
of materials and specified products; this inturn has implications on lead times, which
in-turn impacts on costs and profit margins.
As the construction industry grapples
with the impact of the recession, new
business models are emerging and
relationships are changing from informal
agreements to structured and integrated
partnerships.

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t

Supply chain
synergy
I

B & K Structures, one of the UK’s leading
solid timber structural engineering
contractors, has pioneered the use of
engineered timber, creating award-winning
buildings in retail, commercial, residential,
transport, healthcare, sports and leisure
sectors.
Nick Milestone of B & K Structures says:
“There is a natural synergy between our
companies, products and services. Our
effective working relationship, together
with a commitment to innovation, has
resulted in our Alliance being at the
forefront of European engineered timber
research and development. Demand is
rapidly increasing – in 2011, 45% of our
projects used cross laminated timber which
dramatically increased to 70% by the first
half of 2012. In forming the Alliance our
supply chain is secure and we can meet the
increase in demand.”
Binderholz is an Austrian specialist
timber manufacturer with five production
plants across the country employing in
excess of 1150 staff and in 2012 Binderholz
produced the most cross laminated timber
in the world. Processing timber from the
sustainable forests surrounding its plants,
Binderholz manufacture cross laminated
timber and glulam beams.
Cross laminated timber is a structural
two-way spanning timber panel that can be
used to form walls, roof and floor panels
as well as shear walls. It is produced by

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33

Structural
Cambourne College, Cambridge – first wall

Optimise construction
One of the major advantages of
cross laminated timber is its inherent

fire resistance. It can be designed to
accommodate substantial fire resistance
and unlike steel remains structurally stable
when subjected to high temperatures. Cross
laminated panels can be produced with fire
resistances of 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
With experts in structural analysis,
building physics, consultancy, planning and
logistics – the X-LAM Alliance provides an
all-encompassing in-house design, drawing,
manufacturing and installation service
– more details can be found at www.
xlam-alliance.com.This structure allows the
Alliance to optimise manufacturing, design
and construction knowledge, as well as
combining resources to deliver products,

Product synergy
Companies are increasingly concerned
about the impact of their supply chain
operations on the environment, as it can be
difficult to balance environmental benefit
with cost – the ‘Lean and Green’ dilemma.
For any product ‘Lean and Green’ is a
modelling approach that can help redesign
global supply chains to be cost-efficient,
minimise their impact on the environment
and optimise delivery of products and
services.
It is therefore essential when forming
supply chain partnerships to not only
consider the synergy of products
and services but equally to consider
prospective partners approach to
minimising environmental impact.
The European partners of the X-LAM
Alliance share the same environmental
ethos and importantly, use only timber
from sustainable sources, offering PEFC or
FSC Certified Full Chain of Custody.
Nick Milestone concludes: “Improving
our supply chain, products and services by
creating a formal partnership is proving
a great success for both partners of our
Alliance. In a way it is like a ‘marriage’ and
before any formal agreement is reached,
it takes a great deal of time, research and
dedication to ensure you have found a
compatible partner to enjoy a long and
productive business relationship.

■

laminating and finger jointing soft wood
timber lamellas at 90° to the layer below,
this can encompass between 3 and 27
layers. Using a formaldehyde free adhesive
between each layer gives a safe and
environmental solution. Due to the nature
of cross laminate construction, movement
of the timber panels is dramatically
reduced. Longitudinal and transverse
movement is restricted to 0.01% and
0.025% per percentage change in moisture
content respectively.

www.xlam-alliance.com

34

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35

RAIN/SuDS

A question
of quality
Surface water drainage can be
an unlikely ‘unsung’ hero for
developers keen to showcase
environmentally sound projects
with attractive landscaping features.
Alex Stephenson, Director of Hydro
International’s UK Stormwater
Division and Chair of the British Water
Sustainable Water Management (SuWM)
Focus Group, explains more.

Hydro Downstream
Defender protecting wetland

For developers and contractors with a
close eye on the bottom line – especially in
the current economic climate – reconciling
demands for swales, ponds or wetlands
with a need to maximise a return on land
use and minimise construction costs can
be challenging.
But SuDS solutions don’t have to be
costly, or impractical. Choosing from
the whole SuDS toolbox of ‘natural’ and
manufactured techniques can often be
the best way to achieve a solution that
combines saleability with buildability.
Why treat surface water runoff? As rain
falls on impermeable surfaces it washes
off pollution which is transported with
silt and sediment carried in the flow.
Depending on the site, pollutants can
include litter, heavy metals, hydrocarbons
and dissolved chemicals such as fertilisers
and nutrients. If the runoff is left untreated,
the receiving waters can suffer extensive
and damaging pollution which affects the
entire ecosystem.

Compulsory systems
The EU’s Water Framework Directive
(WFD) is driving improvements in water
quality to meet the target of achieving ‘good’
or ‘excellent’ water quality status by 2015.
In England and Wales, the Flood and
Water Management Act is set to make
SuDS compulsory for new developments of
more than one property. Schemes will be
approved by local authority SuDS Approving
Bodies according to proposed new National

36

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Standards, which are expected to include
stipulations for surface water treatment.
There has been speculation that delays
in implementation – now expected in
April 2014 – have been due to developers’
concerns about the practicality and costs
involved in the proposals. Legislation in
Scotland is further advanced and already
requires pollutant removal.
Delivering effective SuDS solutions for
pollutant removal is likely to require a
number of stages or ‘levels of treatment’
to be incorporated depending on site
conditions.
Manufactured devices can be used
to enable, enhance or protect ‘natural’
features, or be used by themselves to
meet water quality objectives. They
can help to overcome concerns about
cost-effectiveness or land take of
SuDS features.
In response to the developing regulatory
framework in the UK, Hydro has launched
The Hydro StormTrain Series of surface
water treatment devices. Four products,
First Defense, Downstream Defender, UpFlo Filter and Hydro Filterra can be used
independently or in combination to deliver
a treatment train.
Hydro International has developed a free
online Surface Water Treatment Selection
Tool which can be used to explore
the options and costs of surface water
treatment.

■

A

t first sight, the opportunities
presented by drainage may appear
prosaic, but Sustainable Drainage
Systems (SuDS) are encouraging
designers to think more creatively about
how they can be used to achieve appealing
landscaping, public amenity or ecological
benefits.
We are getting used to the idea of SuDS
to manage water quantities and flows in
surface water runoff. Now, with changes in
regulation just around the corner, finding
practical and affordable ways to remove
pollutants from surface water runoff is also
fast becoming an imperative.

Open up to space
In light of recent research from the Royal Institute of
British Architects (RIBA) which says a lack of space is
one of the main causes of dissatisfaction with the home,
Fergus Pickard, Product Development Director from
P C Henderson offers advice to help projects gain vital
space through the specification of cleverly-designed
gear systems for sliding and folding doors.

principles of ‘designing out crime’. Owned
by the Association of Chief Police Officers
(ACPO), SBD focuses on crime prevention
of homes and commercial premises and
promotes the use of security standards for
a wide range of applications and products.
Their objective is to reduce burglary and
crime in the UK through physical security
and processes.
There are different performance and test
standards for burglar resistance for folding
door systems, the European wide EN1627,
and the UK specific PAS 24.

Enhanced security
Both documents look to confirm that
systems that have passed the prescribed
tests offer an enhanced security
performance from attack. Both demand
similar testing for the system to withstand,
it can be considered that PAS 24 focuses
more on being able to resist high
mechanical loads and dynamic impacts,
while EN1627 expresses elements to test
all the system against human attack.
Whether interior or exterior, it
is important to look for the right
combination of a high performance product
coupled with the style that can help create
space for projects, whether new build or
refurbishment. Being clever with the space
available is key to creating a comfortable
environment to live in.

■

An innovative design approach to the existing interior floor
plan is essential to create the open living environment

www.pchenderson.co.uk

O

pening up living space with
sliding doors helps create space
and allows more light into a
property. By using sliding door
gear systems the floor space available can
be increased to provide an easy access
solution that is versatile and silent in use.
Used as room dividers they can help to
create a flexible living space as well as
provide an ideal storage solution such as
wardrobe doors.
In addition, pocket doors glide neatly
into the wall cavity to provide a modern
aesthetic for dividing rooms or for use with
en-suite bathrooms and cupboard doors.

Secure systems
With these options, space is created in
contrast to a swing door which impacts
on the room once opened. In a house with
10 3ft internal doors, up to an additional
70ft2 of usable space can be released in the

38

home by eliminating the room needed for
it to swing and function.
With the increasing trend to create an
indoor/outdoor experience an innovative
design approach to the existing interior
floor plan is essential to create the open
living environment. However, as this is
probably the largest opening into a house,
security is a high priority.
Exterior folding doors can help create
the vision but due to the opening size and
considering the multiple points to secure,
there is a need to ensure that the gear
system provided has the high performance
of a secure solution, together with the look
and feel desired by the client.
High performing hardware for exterior
folding doors should be subjected to
rigorous testing prior to claiming enhanced
security features.
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official
UK Police flagship initiative supporting the

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Sliding doors can help to create a flexible
living space as well as provide an ideal storage
solution such as wardrobe doors

The CIH Housing annual Conference and Exhibition is
the biggest and best attended event in the UK’s housing
calendar. Housing 2013, taking place from 25-27th June,
will bring together the whole of the housing sector –
housing associations, local authorities, ALMOs, providers
and partners, as well as leaders from the worlds of housing,
politics, finance, other business sectors and the media.

2

013 is set to be a big year in
housing. The potential impact of
Welfare Reform, direct payment
of housing benefit, Local Authority
self-financing and stimulus schemes for new
build have been talked about for some time,
but over the next 12 months we will see
these big changes roll out and change the
housing sector in some fundamental ways.
The CIH Housing Conference will
address all of the key issues facing the
sector, delivering thought-provoking,
practical and controversial debate and the
very latest thinking and solutions to help
you adapt to the changes ahead. This is the
national housing event of the year, and the
place to be to engage with and learn from
some of the best minds in housing.
Delegates will have the chance to benefit
from the expertise of more than 100
speakers from government, leading lights
from within the housing world, and experts
from other sectors giving you their fresh

40

perspectives around this year’s four key
themes; Growth and Markets, Competition
and Dynamism, Social Impact and People
and Organisations.

Welfare reform
Thousands of housing professionals will
head to Manchester Central this June to
take part in over 40 sessions looking ahead
to the election in 2014 and what this might
mean for the housing industry, addressing
the myriad of issues surrounding welfare
reform, discussing how we can maximise
the opportunities for new build and, above
all, focusing on the solutions needed to
make these changes and challenges work
for both housing organisations and their
residents.
Join us as leading experts take to the
stage including Housing Minister Mark
Prisk, Lord David Freud, Lord Michael
Heseltine, TCPA Chief Executive Kate
Henderson, Former Deputy Prime Minister

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■

Delivery & debate
at CIH Housing

John Prescott and many more. Pick up a
wealth of strategic ideas, hands-on, practical
advice and solutions and forecast the
future in a range of keynotes, interactive
panel discussions and debates.
Over the course of the three days, more
than 7500 people will flock to Manchester
to share ideas, source providers and
network. Networking is an integral part of
CIH Housing with over 30 fringe activities
held by individual clients, which will take
place throughout conference and outside
the main event hours, guaranteeing further
networking into the night.
This year, the organisers will host
a Welcome to Manchester Dinner,
incorporating the prestigious Housing
Heroes Awards for the first time, on
Monday 24th June. The dinner, hosted by
financial journalist Naga Munchetty, will
kick off conference week in style and is
the perfect opportunity for delegates,VIPs,
speakers, press and sponsors to meet and
relax over a glass of bubbly before the start
of a busy week.
Grainia Long, Chief Executive, CIH
comments: “Last year, the first CIH annual
housing conference and exhibition in
Manchester was a huge success – and I’m
excited that this year will be packed with
more debate, innovation, ideas and most
importantly, solutions.”

www.cihhousing.com

Pick up a wealth of strategic ideas,
hands-on, practical advice and solutions

CIH Preview

Evinox showcases
solutions at CIH event
Taking place from the 25th – 27th June at Manchester
Central, the Chartered Institute of Housing exhibition is the
largest and most well attended event in the UK’s housing
calendar, bringing together more than 7600 people from
across the industry with over 300 key suppliers.
At the upcoming Chartered Institute
of Housing (CIH) exhibition, there will
be a large number of free seminars and
networking opportunities across the three-

day event, ensuring exhibition visitors really
get the most out it.
Evinox will be exhibiting at stand F57,
where it will be discussing its complete

communal heating solutions, including
PaySmart – its unique billing system that
eliminates debt risk by enabling residents
to pay for energy in advance. The company’s
ModuSat Heat Interface range will also be
on display, featuring a large range of models
including twin plate and integrated
storage units.
With more than 12 years of experience
in the Communal/District heating market,
Evinox has been involved in the design
and supply of equipment for many projects
for both private and social housing
schemes.
Evinox specialises in providing integrated
communal heating solutions – from initial
survey to system design, product supply,
ongoing trouble-free maintenance and a
comprehensive support package including
energy metering, billing and a revenue
management service.
In addition to this, Evinox will be unveiling
its new ENE3 Compliant Room controller,
which enables housing providers to gain
credits towards the Code for Sustainable
Homes.

*

(

info@evinox.co.uk
01372 722277

026

Wrekin Windows unveils
new product at CIH
Wrekin Windows, supplier of PVC-U windows and doors to the social
housing sector, is unveiling its new Vertical Sliding Window System at this
year’s CIH Conference and Exhibition held at Manchester Central.The
Telford-based company has invested in design, research and development
to create an authentic looking PVC-U sash window. For providers of
social housing, the new Vertical Sliding Window System gives them the
perfect solution to enhance the period properties in their portfolios,
whilst remaining sympathetic to original architecture. Joining Wrekin Windows on its stand
will be sister-company Permadoor exhibiting its range of fire doors.
*

info@wrekin-windows.co.uk

(

01952 205000

027

Weholite confirmed for CIH
Housing Exhibition 2013
Located at stand A49B, Asset will showcase its Weholite range
of structured wall products made from the largest diameter
high-density polyethylene pipe on the market aimed specifically
at the housing sector. Products and applications include storm
water attenuation tanks to manage excess water and prevent
flooding, and its packaged pumping chambers.The Chartered Institute of Housing Annual
Conference and Exhibition is the leading social and affordable housing event in the UK,
bringing together housing associations, ALMOs and Local Authorities. Over three days,
conference delegates will explore the key national issues facing the sector, share
best practice and debate solutions to current and future challenges.
*

sales@weholite.co.uk

(

01633 273081

028

Weber targets
housing sector
Saint-Gobain Weber, UK formulator and
manufacturer of innovative construction
materials, is returning to the CIH
Conference and Exhibition 2013. On stand
F16, immediately opposite the Community
Café, Saint-Gobain Weber will display
an outstanding selection of External
Wall Insulation (EWI) systems targeted
at landlords in the social housing and
refurbishment sector. The BBA certificated
and Energy Saving Trust recommended
EWI systems set an industry benchmark
and will be showcased with supporting
samples in a variety of finishes including
scraped, dash, spray roughcast, synthetic,
render brick and brick slips.
*

(

mail@netweber.co.uk
08703 330070

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029

41

CPD Focus

New fenestration
CPD for
designers of
building envelope
A new RIBA approved CPD
from REHAU gives architects
and specifiers a useful insight
into the current requirements
for designing and specifying
windows, doors and curtain
walling as part of an energy
efficient building envelope.
Titled ‘Fenestration: Windows,
Doors and Curtain Walling’,
the CPD covers the benefits
and drawbacks of the different
materials and styles used in the
UK fenestration market, the
most suitable applications for
different types, and the design
considerations which affect
their specification.The core
competence seminar also covers
the impacts of different Building
Regulations on fenestration,
sets out the relevant industry
standards and thermal
performance requirements.
* jayne.blackborow@rehau.com

( 0207 580 6155

030

Learning the
right way for
the highway
Ultracrete, home to a range
of market leading highways
maintenance solutions, boasts
bespoke outside and indoor

42

training areas, specially
developed for the highways
industry. The facilities include
an outside demonstration
area, which closely mimics
the external environment for
carriageway reinstatement
applications. Contractors can
gain hands-on experience of
using the full range of Ultracrete
products. The indoor facilities
include a number of meeting
rooms that provide an ideal
environment for presentations
and theory. Ultracrete offers
RIBA Approved CPDs which
are available in half or full day
formats and cover all stages
of carriageway ironwork
reinstatement using their
HAPAS approved system.
*

ultracrete@instarmac.co.uk

( 01827 871871

031

Reap the benefits
of polycarbonate
cladding
A CPD on the plethora
of benefits of translucent
polycarbonate cladding and
roofing over other panels is
available from Rodeca, one of
the world’s pioneers in such
systems. The CPD details how
Rodeca panels help specifiers
meet a host of performance
criteria as well as offer a
stunning, colourful aesthetic.
Some 200 times tougher
than glass, they enable light
transmission between 5-65%
and at the same time are highly
efficient insulators of heat
(< 0.71W/m²K) and sound
(21-43dB). Lightweight but
200 times tougher than glass,
they are manufactured with a
tongue and groove coupling
that enables quick and easy
installation.
*

sales@rodeca.co.uk

( 01268 418456

032

Online CPD
supports inverted
flat roofing
specification
RIBA has approved a new
CPD online module from
STYROFOAM manufacturer
Dow Building Solutions, titled
‘Specifying insulation for inverted
flat roofing’.The RIBA Online
CPD offers information on
extruded polystyrene products as
an insulation choice for inverted
flat roofs and gives key pointers
to bear in mind when reviewing
U-value calculations and specifying
insulation material for such
applications. Specifying insulation
for inverted flat roofing can be
accessed at www.ribacpd.com/
dow-building-solutions/02540/
overview/ and is part of the RIBA
Core Curriculum.The CPD also
provides information about the
benefits of inverted flat roofs,
and offers advice on how to
assess the suitability of different
insulation products.
dbsuk@dow.com
( 020 3139 4000
*

033

Low surface
temperature
radiators
The aims and learning outcomes
of this CPD presentation from

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Stelrad Radiators are to provide
guidance on the use of Low
Surface Temperature steel panel
emitters to avoid radiator burns
and for safe room heating with
particular reference to the way
radiators actually work and the
different types available, the
requirement for safe heating in
public, healthcare and education
applications and the relevant
regulations and standards.
Also to raise awareness of low
surface temperature radiators
– LST – technology which
provides safe space heating in
education and healthcare and
other public buildings.
*

info@stelrad.com

( 01709 578950

034

SPAB building
conservation and
repair courses
Spaces on the Society for the
Protection of Ancient Buildings
(SPAB) courses are still available
but are being filled quickly. A
variety of seminars and practical
masterclasses on the repair
and conservation of buildings
are still available for booking
and are an unrivalled source of
information for anyone working
with older buildings – architects,
surveyors, engineers, builders
and conservation officers.Some
courses are recognised by the
Institute of Historic Building
Conservation (IHBC) for CPD
and the Royal Institute of British
Architects (RIBA) for Advanced
CPD.
*

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43

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Vivid tiles
transform
workplace
Westbond and Tessera carpet tiles
from Forbo have helped bring a mill
refurbishment project in Leeds to life for
leading media buying agency MediaCom.
New Tessera Circulate has been
incorporated into the vivid interior design
of the agency’s new base – a perfect
reflection of its forward-thinking brand

H

aving undergone extensive
regeneration, the mill is now
a hub for media businesses.
MediaCom’s interior brief was
clear: to create a lively and inspiring place
to work, with the design conveying the
personality and values of the business.
Atul Bansal, Design Partner and founder
of Sheila Bird Group, commissioned to
design the scheme, immediately saw the
potential of the new Tessera Circulate
design. Boldly contrasting sharp geometric
lines with organic curves, this random lay

Westbond Colour in Douglas Pink reflects the company’s sense of
humour and echoes tones used in its literature and online presence

batchless carpet tile is ideal for all sizes of
commercial installations. The tonal blocks of
colour intersected by concentric circles that
randomly connect across the floor create a
refreshing and unexpected aesthetic.

Bringing spaces to life
Atul specified 350m2 of Tessera Circulate
in Turbine, a sophisticated mixture of black
and grey, for main working and circulation
areas of the open plan offices. To provide
contrast, 100m2 of Westbond Colour
fusion bonded carpet tiles in Douglas

Tessera Circulate’s contemporary aesthetic reflects the vibrant,
fast-paced and youthful side of the MediaCom’s business

Pink, Graphite and Prune colourways
were specified for conference rooms and
breakout spaces.
“It was really important to bring the
space to life, and the carpet tiles from
Forbo were the anchor around which we
based the rest of the colours and textures,”
says Atul. “MediaCom has a vibrant brand
personality so it was essential that this was
translated into the design.
“Tessera Circulate instantly grabbed
me with its contemporary aesthetic, and
reflects the vibrant, fast-paced and youthful
side of the business. The Westbond Colour
tiles in Graphite represent the mature side
of the brand and its long history, while the
vivid pink tiles reflect the company’s sense
of humour and echo the tones used in its
literature and online presence.”
Contrasts in colour and pattern highlight
workstations, meeting areas and chill out
spaces. As modular floor coverings, the
carpet tiles lend themselves perfectly to
this sort of application, and mix easily with
other floor finishes.
Simon Price, Director of MediaCom,
comments: “We are extremely pleased with
our new offices and the floor coverings
from Forbo have certainly contributed to
the lively, creative atmosphere. The colours
and patterns are a great reflection of
MediaCom’s brand values and have really
helped transform the space.”

*

(

44

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info.flooring.uk@forbo.com
0844 822 3928

039

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Jaymart makes
a Big 5 entrance
At the recent Big 5 exhibition in Dubai,
Jaymart demonstrated its capabilities as
a specialist producer of bespoke matting
systems. Alongside providing a corporate
logo service, the company has positioned
itself to work in harmony with architects
meeting exact requirements for unique
applications.
Family-owned Jaymart Rubber & Plastics
produces specialised aluminium entrance
matting systems for commercial projects
worldwide. The company’s most recent
marketing efforts included showcasing its
prestigious ranges in Dubai at the Big 5
exhibition, whereby a very special logo mat
was produced for display.
Sales Director, Paul Macfarlane, says:
“We are very project-specific, as well as
being specified architecturally, with
bespoke matting systems that are

created for a specific installation.
“Our entrance mattings focus on dust
and sand removal for the Middle Eastern
market and dust and water removal for the
European market, so that they do not get
trafficked into the building. Our products
have been tried and tested, and come
in any shapes and sizes from traditional
rectangular to circular.”
The company is also commissioned
for corporate logos for airports, schools
and hospitals, as well as for military bases

in the UK and abroad.
Alongside entrance mats, Jaymart
produces commercial and industrial safety
floorings and specialist mats. In addition
to creating its unique range of products, it
works as advisor and researcher into new
and innovative flooring systems in order to
cater for the requirements of designers
and architects.
*

(

sales@jaymart.co.uk
01373 864926

040

Founders Collection
celebrates Kährs’ heritage
Kährs has introduced a new collection of rustic one-strip
floors. A celebration of Kährs’ Swedish tradition and fine
craftsmanship, the Founders Collection includes eight new oak
designs and joins Kährs Original Range. Each floor is named
after a member of the Kährs’ family, that founded the company
in 1857, and features a striking combination of hand-crafted
finishing treatments. Heavy brushing, handscraping and smoking
emphasise the lively grained timber and tactile finish, whilst a
distinct bevelled edge complements the boards’ single plank format. All floors from the new
Founders Collection feature Kährs ethical, high performance construction.
*

sales@kahrs.co.uk

(

041

023 9245 3045

Flooring is child’s play
As part of its ongoing partnership with the Zoological
Society of London (ZSL), Interface has helped to create a
unique and vibrant indoor play area for young visitors to
Whipsnade Zoo. Sandra Crewe, Corporate Partnerships
Manager at ZSL, says: “We really wanted the Interface
team to deliver this project as we knew they would
create a stunning design without compromising on
sustainability and performance.They have gone above and beyond our expectations, creating
a vibrant play area to stimulate young minds through play, and it’s reassuring to know that the
chosen tiles are durable enough to withstand heavy use for years to come.”

Sikkens unveils
masterclasses
Premium woodcare brand, Sikkens has
announced that it will be launching a
programme of video ‘MasterClasses’ to
support and guide specifiers on the usage
and presentation of wood in construction.
Sikkens will be launching four video
modules throughout the 2013 woodcare
season, each of which will provide a
wealth of information and insight on a
range of specification challenges, from
making the right substrate choice through
to maintenance and colour advice.The
first video, available to view on the Sikkens
website, is live now and focuses on the
role of wood in both internal and external
modern construction.
*

*

interface.uk@interfaceflor.eu

(

01274 690690

042

(

sikkens@tangerinepr.com
08444 817 818

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043

45

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Sound and light
increases productivity

Innovative lighting and striking acoustic ceiling design
have been brought together by Phillips and Saint-Gobain
Ecophon to create a unique office solution which can
improve workplace productivity.
Designed to enhance worker well-being and
boost concentration in open plan offices,
Soundlight Comfort Ceiling combines
the very best acoustic performance with
the latest in lighting.The new innovation

combines Ecophonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Class A sound absorbing
suspended ceiling with embedded LED lighting
technology from Phillips.This creates a unique
ceiling with complete acoustic coverage and a
uniform appearance, while ensuring optimum

noise and lighting levels.
Achieving the right noise and light levels in
office environments is extremely important
to ensure workplaces are as comfortable
as possible.With open-plan offices still the
most popular design, there are undoubtedly
challenges to overcome. Background
noise can be very distracting, affecting
concentration, while poor lighting can lead to
tiredness.
Soundlight Comfort Ceiling provides the
sound absorption needed to ensure speech
clarity over short distances, whilst reducing
the total distance over which sound travels.
This is an important benefit, given that over
50% of office work still relates to tasks that
require individual focus and concentration.
The state-of-the-art LED technology
used in the Soundlight Comfort ceiling
solution outperforms conventional lighting,
delivering superior energy savings.The
solution also includes sensors and controls
which are adjustable and alter the lighting
levels depending on daylight and occupancy
in the office.This also helps to reduce energy
consumption and lower energy costs.

*

(

marketing@ecophon.co.uk
01256 850977

044

Ted Todd introduces
engineered Strada
Ted Todd has introduced a new 20mm engineered range.
Strada matches the highest quality 20mm engineered FSCcertified European Oak boards with the exacting standards
demanded by the best flooring specifiers. Pre-finished with
a unique 12 coat lacquer finish, this range is extremely
durable and easy to maintain. The range is available in a
choice of 10 colours ranging from cool, crisp whites and
greys, through the rich tones of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest palette to a
contemporary gun metal grey and unique dual tone black. Strada is suitable for installation
over underfloor heating and will make a striking and enduring addition to any interior.
*

enquiries@tedtodd.co.uk

(

01925 283000

045

N&C Moderna recieves prestigious
Contractor award
Congratulations to N&C Moderna for being awarded Tile
Contractor of the Year 2013 at the prestigious Tile Association
awards. N&C Moderna were recognised for being able to offer
the complete tiling solution for clients within a wide range
of industries, specialising in ceramic, stone, mosaic, porcelain, glass, geometric and encaustic,
heated floors, temporary flooring, wet rooms and more. With their strong market presence,
they were acknowledged for being able to offer professional, high quality workmanship, with
the ability to undertake any project from large standard domestic installations to carrying out
the most intricate and unique commercial applications and design.
*

46

moderna.tiles@nichollsandclarke.com

(

020 8586 4601

046

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Kerakoll performs
swimmingly
The mural in this private swimming pool
uses glass shapes inserted into water jet
cut white tiles and illuminated from below.
Kerakoll H40 Eco Tenaflex was chosen
to fix the tiles due to its pure white
colour, which is achieved by using Carrara
marble, and extended open time allowing
each part of the mural to be positioned
precisely. Kerakoll Fugabella Eco Porcelana
0-5 was chosen as the grout due to its
extremely smooth texture and natural
anti bacterial properties, and the joints
were sealed with Kerakoll Eco Silicone
because of its high bond strength and anti
mould characteristics.
*

(

info@kerakoll.co.uk
01527 578000

047

Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Prime every time

Correct specification of flooring products not only increases
the lifetime of a floor, but ensures performance is at the highest
level. Ultra Floor believes priming is an essential part of the
flooring installation process helping to dramatically reduce
the risk of failure.
There are three key reasons why you
should prime every time. Firstly, priming
reduces the floor’s absorbency. When
wet smoothing compounds are applied
to porous substrates, such as tamped
concrete and timber, moisture can pass
into the subfloor which in turn expels air.
The moisture loss prevents full hydration
of the binding materials in the compound
giving a weaker strength product, whilst
the air expelled causes pinholes in the
cured product. An appropriate primer will
minimise these issues.
Secondly, priming increases adhesion.
Correct priming serves as a bonding aid
between the compound and the substrate.
This is especially important in today’s
market where a) the types of substrate
are much more varied, and b) smoothing
compounds are of a higher strength, thus

Beauty makeover treatment
from Remmers
The Beauty Shop
in Huddersfield
required an
upgrade to the
flooring of the
ground-floor
treatment and
tanning rooms.
The Salon
required a
change to the
original colour scheme and selected a two
coloured Remmers Colorid Flake system
to be installed throughout.The revamp
also required a corresponding darker floor
to be installed in the tanning room due
to the nature of the treatments. All of the
floor areas were initially prepared; base
coated with Epoxy BS3000 and then flaked
with Colorid. All areas were then sealed
with Epoxy UV 100 and two coats of
Remmers PUR Aqua Top M to create the
specified colours and design.
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(

sales@remmers.co.uk
0845 373 0103

049

requiring greater adhesion.
Thirdly, correct priming acts as an
interface between materials preventing
incompatibility or reaction. The use of a
barrier primer will prevent this unwanted
contact, avoiding a reaction and possible
failure.
The renowned Ultra Floor range includes
Prime IT AR moisture tolerant, water
based acrylic primer, suitable for absorbent
subfloors, and Prime IT N polymer
emulsion primer, which is recommended for
use as a bonding aid. Use Prime IT N neat
onto non absorbent substrates, to give a
tough, well bonded primer, ready to receive
a cementitious smoothing compound.

*

(

ultrafloor@instarmac.co.uk
01827 871871

048

BBA gets go ahead
for Solid Wall CPS
The BBA’s application to operate a competent
person self-certification scheme for the installation
of solid wall insulation has been accepted by the
Department for Communities and Local Government
(DCLG).The scheme covers the installation of
internal, external and hybrid insulation systems and is an excellent complement to the BBA’s
many Agrément Certificates for solid wall insulation systems.The scheme will mean installers
can self-certify that their work complies with Building Regulations without the need for a
separate assessment by Building Control. Surveillance visits by the BBA will be a requirement of
the scheme along with notifications of all installations completed by scheme members.
*

construction@bba.star.co.uk

(

01923 665300

050

Conren takes care of Prism floor
Epoxy resin specialist, Conren has completed a flooring project for Prism Medical, provider
of specialist bathing, handling, and moving equipment. An area of approximately 3000m2 was
mechanically prepared to remove an existing coating which was delaminating. The area was
then coated with two coats of Conren Dustguard epoxy
resin coating in various colours, providing designated
working zones within the production and dispatch area.
The floor was then completed with demarcation lines and
zebra crossings to delineate safe pedestrian access. To
minimise disruption to the business, the work was carried
out to a tight schedule during the annual shutdown.
*

info@conren.com ( 01978 661991

051

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47

Drainage & Landscaping

Sudscape drives forward
eco Toyota project
The eco credentials of Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing plant
in Burnaston, Derbyshire have been boosted following the
installation of a revolutionary landscaping product made
from recycled car tyres, Sudscape.
The Sudscape system has been installed on
an area of the plant’s VIP entrance to the
Assembly Building by principal contractor,
Whitehouse Construction. The area
hosts visitors and is used to demonstrate
the technologies and environmental
performance of the factory itself and the

cars which are produced.
This is the second installation of the
Sudscape system at the Toyota factory.
An initial installation involved the factory’s
‘showcase’ area, and this latest project
will see an extension to this, ensuring an
aesthetically pleasing continuity.

Sudscape comprises a sub layer of
recycled car tyres topped with a resin bound
aggregate which is available in several colour
options. It can be used indoors or outdoors,
where its SUDS-compliant properties mean
that it totally eliminates the risk of standing
water. The rubber sub base is able to hold
water in its voids before it can be naturally
absorbed back into the water table.
Unlike other landscaping products, it does
not need to be laid on a tarmac or concrete
base, making the installation process
efficient and straightforward. The project
was completed in just one week meeting an
important deadline – an event celebrating 20
years of manufacturing in the UK which was
attended by senior worldwide executives
and local dignitaries.
Wayne Langford, Sales and Marketing
Director at Sudscape comments: “Sudscape
boasts a superb combination of aesthetics,
performance and sustainability. For Toyota
Manufacturing UK, who are committed to a
sustainability agenda, the fact that it is made
from recycled car tyres makes a considerable
contribution to that endeavour, and we are
delighted to be playing a role in this.”
*

(

sales@sudscape.co.uk
0161 212 1617

052

Buzon UK maximises outdoor space
Maximising the ability to use premium flat roof spaces and balcony areas in apartment
blocks, the high quality, adjustable screw-jack pedestals from Buzon allow the creation of
paved, stone or timber decks that add
value to new build and refurbishment
projects. With Buzon pedestals, a
lightweight deck can be built directly
over single ply roofs without adding
significantly to the structural loading of
the roof or the building. They can also
be placed directly on top of a warm
roof without damage to the waterproof
membrane or insulation layer.
*

sales@buzonuk.com ( 020 8614 0874

053

Practice votes Yeoman
Rainguard a winner

With over 20 years’ experience and a passion for stunning
architectural design, Sutton Coldfield-based practice Janes
Architectural, has specified Yeoman Rainguard Rainwater
Systems on many of its award winning projects. Simon Janes,
from Janes Architectural Practice, explained: “We first used Yeoman Rainguard seven years
ago, as its products were the perfect solution for our projects, many of which are bespoke
designed houses at the ‘high end’ of the market.We didn’t want to fit standard, plastic
rainwater goods and Yeoman Rainguard’s XL Aluminium range really fitted the bill providing
a high quality product with the traditional appearance required and good value for money.”
*

48

sallyann@rainguard.co.uk

(

0113 279 5854

054

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Anti-slip treatment
for timber decking
The striking and complex decked
pontoon at Herons Quay, Canary Wharf
was designed by the landscape architect
with three key specification challenges,
slip resistance, durability and aesthetics.
The solution was John Brash AntiSlip
Plus timber decking, European redwood
slow grown for the best quality timber,
which was preservative treated with a
brown pigment to replicate the finish
of a hardwood. The deck boards were
treated to ‘Use Class 4’ to cope with
the demands of a challenging salt water
location on the Thames. Two JB Anti-Slip
inserts were used to give a superior
non-slip finish exceeding the HSE
requirements for ‘extremely low slip risk’.
*

(

info@johnbrash.co.uk
01427 613858

055

Drainage & Landscaping

Finding the
route to success
Bollards International’s Cycleway Bollards
were recently supplied by the main
contractor CA Blackwell Ltd, for Solihull
Metropolitan Borough Council’s £2.6 million
project creating a series of strategic cycle
routes connecting residents of North Solihull
with key employment sites in the area.
The Scheme, funded jointly through
the European Regional Development
Fund, managed by the Department for
Communities and Local Government and
Solihull Council, will develop and enhance
existing cycling opportunities in North
Solihull by creating an additional 13km of
cycle friendly routes.The new routes will link
into cycle improvements created through
the recently completed Airport and NEC
Integrated Transport Access Scheme, which
was funded by the Department for Transport.
Bollards International’s cycleway products
met the scheme’s requirements on a

number of levels. In terms of performance,
the bollards are extremely robust and
ideal for eco-conscious customers as the
inner structural core is manufactured from
recycled steel. Furthermore, the bollards
are moulded from engineering-grade
polyurethane elastomer containing chemicals
derived from a renewable source (rapeseed
oil) and fillers from recycled materials. The
bollard mould itself is also derived from real
wood to give an exact wood grain finish.
Ensuring the bollards remain of a
consistently high quality, a top-coat of highperformance, two-part polyurethane paint

is used. This finish chemically bonds with
the PU body eliminating any possibility of
paint flake or chipping. It is the best product
on the market for long-term durability and
weathering resistance.
Bollards International successfully
manufactured and delivered a cost-effective,
wood lookalike cycleway bollard, suitable
for displaying traffic signs and symbols,
whilst defining the cycle network in a
stylish, environmentally friendly way.
*

(

sales@bollards-international.com
01485 601145
056

Online Enquiry 057
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49

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Mira Beam shines new
light on enclosures
Designed to complement the rising demand for wetrooms
and low shower trays, the Beam range of semi-frameless
shower enclosures from Mira Showers – the UK’s leading
manufacturer of showering products and accessories –
combines both prestige styling and value for money.
With an increased height of 1.9m from the
top of the tray, Mira’s Beam enclosures are
not only consistent with contemporary
bathroom design chic, but are also tall
enough to obviate the obstruction possible
when a traditional height enclosure is
‘dropped’ to the floor or set on a low tray.
The upmarket appearance has been
achieved without compromising ease of
installation as each wall profile is adjustable
to up to 29mm, while the doors are
supplied ‘un-handed’, meaning they are
easily reversible for left and right hand
opening. This means installers can deliver a
clean, professional installation in a minimum
of time and with minimum disruption.
Each enclosure is supplied with all the

hallmarks of quality – a 10 year guarantee;
power shower approval and the chrome
finish demanded by 90% of consumers
wanting this type of product.
Combining contemporary styling with
practicality and easy maintenance, Beam
range of shower enclosures feature Easyclean coated glass and semi-frameless side
panels and includes models to suit every
situation and taste with no fewer than eight
different formats including: pivot doors,
bifold doors, sliding doors, side panels,
quadrants, pentagon, wetroom divider
panels and walk-in.
Each door style features mechanisms to
ensure trouble-free operation. Dual-roller
bogies ensure smooth and consistent

Maxwood Washrooms
stars in drama college
Washrooms from Maxwood, combining contemporary styling
with outstanding durability, are part of Cardiff’s award-winning
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Maxwood provided a
full supply and fit service with purpose-designed toilet cubicles
and hand wash vanity units for the multi-million pound facility
near Cathays Park, which includes a 400-seat concert hall,
Richard Burton Theatre, cafe and foyer and performance studios.
The washrooms’ smart monochrome colour scheme with
stainless steel and solid timber accents reflects the new building’s innovative design, which
received a UK-wide RIBA award and three Welsh architectural awards.
*

sales@maxwoodwashrooms.com

(

024 7662 1122

059

TMVs now boast tectite technology
Plumbing systems manufacturer Pegler Yorkshire has
announced the launch of a new valve. The Tectite TMV
series combine the latest in metal push-fit technology
with protection against hot water scalding and thermal
shock.The Tectite TMV utilises the latest innovations in
metal push-fit technology and will provide connectivity
to copper, stainless steel and PE-X and PB. It also benefits
from additional push-fit advantages such as installed cost
savings, as joints are made in a fraction of the time, heat free therefore no requirement for
a hot works permit and rotatable joints which makes working in confined spaces easier.
*

50

brochures@pegleryorkshire.co.uk

(

0844 243 4400

060

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Ultra Tile creates
the ‘wow’ factor
Ceramica Fix has
used popular Ultra
Tile products to
create the ‘wow’
factor in student
accommodation at
two of Leicester’s
impressive
university
campuses. The
bathroom and
kitchen in each flat were tiled using
Ultra Tile Prime IT FP acrylic surface
conditioner and flexible additive, ProSet
SS tile adhesive and FlexJoint super fine
grout. In this application, Prime IT FP
was added to the adhesive to enhance
bond and flexibility enhancing its
performance. ProSet SS was then used
to tile bathroom and kitchen walls with
porcelain and ceramic tiles respectively.
Joint finishing was completed using Ultra
Tile FlexJoint grout in white and cream.
*

(

info@instarmac.co.uk
01827 871871

061

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Mira’s Adept meets
modern needs
Hard on the heels of Agile, Mira’s first ‘high design’ mixer
shower launch of 2013; the company has now introduced the
Adept built-in mixer range for new installations. Stylish, compact
and easy to install, Adept delivers a contemporary aesthetic
combined with a host of benefits and accessories that will
appeal to the end-user, developer, installer and stockist alike.
To complement the range there is a choice
of upmarket accessories that can be retrofitted to meet individual tastes, enabling
developers to offer buyers the chance to
trade up. These accessories include an extra
parking socket for the showerhead, soap
holders and shower gel dispensers.
Customers can select from six models,
all guaranteed for five years and featuring
separate temperature and flow controls
complete with large, long-life filters and
replaceable cartridges for easy servicing.
The range comprises the Adept BIV
and BIV Eco, with 90mm multi-mode
showerhead; the Adept BIR with a 200mm
deluge shower head; the Adept BIR+ with a

250mm deluge shower head; the Adept BRD
which has a 90mm multi-mode showerhead
and a 200mm deluge head; and the Adept
BRD+ which has a 110mm multi-mode
showerhead and a 250mm deluge head. Both
the Adept BIR+ and the Adept BRD+ are
premium products that will be distributed
through showroom channels.
Specifically developed to provide the
integrated appearance of a built-in mixer, Mira
Adept mixers are easier to install than most
built-in valves thanks to features such as the
miniature valve body with back-plate.The
miniature valve means there is less digging out
and the plastic backplate makes mounting the
value onto the wall or stud work much easier.

All models come with the Magni-flo
system that gives up to three times more
flow and are suitable for all systems apart
from the Mira Adept BIV Eco which requires
a minimum of 0.5 bar pressure because it
features a water-saving regulator that cuts the
flow to 6 litres/minute in order to meet the
Code for Sustainable homes.

*

(

kohlermira@linney.com
01242 221221

062

STEAM FREE MIRRORS AND WARM FLOORS
WITH demista™ AND Cosyﬂoor™
Tired of peering through a steamed up mirror when applying
makeup, styling hair or shaving? There is no need to wipe clear,
or open windows wide on a frosty morning, when you install a selfadhesive demista™ pad behind the mirror. Simply wire into the
lighting system or use a separate switch to ensure a clear view in
the steamiest of bathrooms.

Why step out of a warm bath, or shower, on to a cold floor when you
can have the luxury of Cosyﬂoor™ under floor comfort heating.
The system is safe to use in wet areas, ideal for bathrooms, wet
rooms, kitchens, and other areas where water may be spilt.

Tel: 01932 866 600 Email:sales@demista.co.uk
Web: www.demista.co.uk

Online Enquiry 063

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51

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Protection against
inward migration
A circle has no beginning and has no end.
This means compared with a conventional
rectangular (horizontal-headed) opening, a
circular opening requires a different approach
to protect it against damp ingress.
Contrary to what one might expect, one of
the most vulnerable areas with any circular
opening within a cavity wall is at the bottom
– the 6 o’clock position. Concentrations of
water can end up at this lowest point so
protection against inwardly migration needs
to include safeguarding this area also.
A swift and reliable approach is to
incorporate a preformed circular cavitray.
Known as the Type K and manufactured
from solid petheleyne dpc, the Type K is
supplied in one piece ready to envelop
the circular window. It fits snugly onto the
frame, physically wrapping it, establishing a
360° barrier. The entire window outer edge
is covered and the frame isolated from the
damp masonry it abuts. More importantly,

the Type K cavitray extends
within the cavity outwardly
around the entire opening,
establishing a physical dpc integrity
barrier between both skins of masonry.
At the top, the Type K can either be built
into the inner skin or the self-supporting
cavity upstand may pressure-hinge against it.
The designer has a choice that makes this
versatile circular cavitray suitable for both
traditional and timber frame construction.
At the bottom the forward integrity flap
ensures water cannot permeate inwardly at
the vulnerable 6 o’clock position.
Cavity Trays manufactures circular
cavitrays in a range of diameters to suit
all cavity widths. The 360 degree approach

ensures damp
protection functionality
whilst defence against heat
loss is offered with an accompanying
thermal collar. A bespoke service also
operates.
*

(

enquiries@cavitytrays.co.uk
01935 474769

065

UNILIN offers thermal performance

Kingspan
delivers for M&S
A new Marks & Spencer’s distribution
centre in Castle Donington has achieved
a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating with
the help of Kingspan Multibeam and
Multichannel, Kingspan Insulated Panels’
Structural Products & Systems. Kingspan
Multibeam is a purlin and rail system
which is suitable for bay spans of up to
15m. Kingspan Multichannel sections are
designed to complement the Kingspan
Multibeam system, providing a robust
construction. Kingspan Insulated Panels’
Structural Products & Systems have been
awarded a Gold Standard under the Steel
Construction Sustainability Charter.
*

marketing@kingspanstructural.co.uk

( 01944 712000

52

066

UNIPUR PLUS Structural Insulated Roof Panels by UNILIN, now offer architects and
specifiers 0.15W/m2K thermal performance across a span of 4.2m, dramatically improving
the thermal performance of large roofs, while cutting down on
building material and speeding up installation. UNIPUR PLUS
panels are available in a range of depths with the 192mm thick
panel achieving a U-value of 0.15. More impressive is the ability
of UNIPUR PLUS to deliver this performance consistently
over a 4.2m span up to a pitch of 45˙.The panels comprise
two timber rafters fixed to and stabilised by a rigid facing
board that also forms the ceiling finish.
*

info.insulation@unilin.com

(

0032 5673 5091

067

Leister UNIROOF for
single ply roof membrane
The latest model in the range of Leister single ply
membrane roof welding machines, the Leister UNIROOF
240v, ensures a consistent 40mm overlap weld particularly
for smaller installation areas, or in areas that are confined
but still need to meet the technical requirements of
40mm. Based on the design of the already well-established
110v Uniplan Roof, the UNIROOF provides more power and therefore welds more metres
per minute when welding plastic membrane.The Leister UNIROOF employs the same
operating controls as the Varimat V making it straightforward and intuitional to use for
materials such as PVC, TPO, ECB and EPDM.
*

info@welwyntoolgroup.co.uk

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(

01707 331111

068

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Shackerley ceramic
granite facelift at
private hospital
As part of the multi-million pound refurbishment at a
Nuffield Health private hospital in Tunbridge Wells, architects
at Kendall Kingscott in Bristol specified Shackerley’s
Sureclad ceramic granite ventilated facades to give the
dated, red-brick exteriors a facelift.
“Our aim was to dramatically improve
the facilities and patient experience at the
hospital,” comments Mark Palmer, Project
Architect. “Whilst the interior refurbishment
was our priority, the exterior styling, dating
back to 1968, was also in need of a radical
makeover.We wanted to provide a new
outer envelope that would present an
upmarket contemporary image befitting
the newly modernised healthcare facility.
Overcladding was the obvious solution.”
After considering a wide range of different
facade installation methods and materials the
architects opted to use Shackerley’s Sureclad

system in conjunction with a travertine effect
ceramic granite facade panel.
“We were impressed by the appearance
and quality of the ceramic granite,” says
Mark. “From a distance it looks slick and
streamlined as you would expect from an
engineered material, yet at close quarters
it has a very natural stone look with real
depth and texture.”
Specification of the Sureclad system also
provided an opportunity to upgrade the
environmental performance of the building,
as Mark explains: “We used Kingspan K15
insulation in the cavity behind the ceramic

granite to significantly improve the
thermal efficiency.”
“As a practice we’re very pleased indeed
with the final results,” concludes Mark
Palmer. “Shackerley’s Sureclad ceramic granite
cladding system offers an attractive and
extremely cost effective way to completely
transform the appearance of a building and
at the same time enhance its environmental
performance.We will certainly consider
proposing this approach again.”
*

(

info@shackerley.com
0800 783 0391

069

LEVATO MONO, a next
generation paver system
Pavers comprised of a 20mm single layer of loadbearing porcelain stoneware, with incredible technical
and aesthetic features. Self-levelling and height
adjustable pedestals allow for rapid installation over
uneven sub-surfaces and any waterproof membrane.

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53

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

Roofing success for
serpentine project
With a name like The Serpentine, it’s no wonder that this
snaking housing project called for a flexible roofing solution.
The £11.6m regeneration scheme in Aylesbury saw a
former MoD site transformed into an affordable, sustainable
housing development, comprising 94 terraced houses
forming a continuous curved building.
After the existing building was demolished,
a timber-frame structure was erected to
form the development’s snaking shape.
Accurate Roofing was tasked with installing
the roof element, with Sika Sarnafil single
ply specified for its flexibility and suitability
to tricky detailing. But, says the roofing
contractor’s Adrian Humphries, the shape
posed a number of technical challenges.
“The main challenge was the unusual
construction method used by main
contractor Denne,” he reveals. “This saw
the huge timber structure erected from
opposite ends, section by section, until
eventually meeting in the middle. The

main reason for this was to overcome the
fire hazard that working in a complete,
elongated structure otherwise posed. But
this meant the roofs had to be weathered
section-by-section before meeting in the
middle.”
The roof features a total of 3800m2
Sika Sarnafil membrane in Lead Grey. The
shape and pitch of the roof called for the
utmost precision when installing the main
membrane as well as the various detailing.
Adrian adds: “The roof’s curvaceous
nature meant that we had to install the
single ply in sections on a steep 20-degree
pitch to make sure the standing seam

profiles were precisely measured to create
the stunning visual appearance of the
finished roof.”
Adrian says Accurate Roofing is proud
of this prestigious project: “The Serpentine
put our skills to the test, but we are
pleased to have overcome the challenges
on time, on budget and to the satisfaction
of all involved. All agreed it is one of the
most spectacular constructions due to its
size, innovative construction method and
unusual shape.”
*

(

sarnafilroofing@uk.sika.com
01603 709360

072

Institute of Roofing welcomes
19 Langley staff

Nordic waves
from Aurubis
London’s Holland Park School has been
completely redeveloped with a new
building that takes an innovative approach
to controlling and optimising sunlight,
with a brise soleil of curved fins clad
in copper and copper alloy supplied by
Aurubis Architectural. Maximising natural
lighting with extensive glazing, while
controlling glare and solar gain, proved
central to architects Aedas’s strategy for
design of the facades.The west facade
is defined by a series of vertical fins –
each clad in Nordic Brown pre-oxidised
copper, Nordic Brass or Nordic Bronze
– which combine to take on a strong,
dynamic three-dimensional character.
*

g.bell@aurubis.com

( 01875 812144

54

073

An impressive 19 members of staff from Langley
Waterproofing Systems Ltd (Langley) have been put
forward to become members of The Institute of Roofing
this month.The move to induct so many members from
the same company during a single application process
is unprecedented and affirms the commitment of the
national roofing and waterproofing expert to providing the best service and most skilled
members of staff in the industry.The 19 members of staff have applied to join the Institute at
a variety of levels, from Affiliate through to Fellow, based on their roles and experience.
*

enquiries@langley.co.uk

(

01327 704778

074

Reduce carbon emissions
with Kingspan Sol-Air
Kingspan Insulated Panels has re-launched Sol-Air, a simple
and intelligent solar air heating system. Previously known as
EnergiPanel, Sol-Air absorbs incident solar radiation and converts
it into heat energy, warming air to be pumped through a building’s
heating system. Aimed at significantly reducing a building’s carbon
emissions, Sol-Air can also help deliver LEED and BREEAM credits.
As well as its sustainability credentials, Sol-Air provides rapid payback
on investment and is perfect in winter months when heating demand is high. Kingspan
large scale test facilities have shown that heating costs could be reduced up to 20% when
Sol-Air panels are used.
*

bestprice@kingspan.net

(

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01352 716400

075

!
ed ed
lifi nis
ua og
t q rec
Ge et
g
d
an

Online Enquiry 076

The MCIAT Professional Assessment

– a new qualifying route
What is the MCIAT Professional Assessment?

The MCIAT Professional Assessment is a flexible, rigorous, robust and quality assured
qualifying process, based on performance and designed to recognise the diversity of
Architectural Technology.
Candidates must provide an in-depth critical analysis clearly summarising their professional
experience. This should be a reflective report and should refer to challenges and
successes encountered whilst working on projects and how any issues were resolved.
Applicants should also undertake a self-evaluation highlighting their strengths and
weaknesses in relation to their area(s) of practice.
The Professional Assessment process is based on four core competencies:
• Designing • Managing • Practising • Developing (self)

Who can apply for the MCIAT Professional Assessment?
Any applicant working in or on, for example, academia, general practice, component
design, refurbishment, small residential projects, large commercial projects etc within
Architectural Technology, should be able to apply their own experience to the Professional
Assessment process, but they must hold one of the following membership grades:
ACIAT, TCIAT or profile candidate.
Each application will be assessed on its merit. However, each applicant will need
to demonstrate a sufficient level of knowledge and understanding and professional
competence/experience in relation to their sphere/s of practice and demonstrate to the
Institute they can meet the expectations of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT.

How much does it cost?
To apply for the Professional Assessment, applicants are required to pay £300 for the
assessment of the application and the Professional Assessment Interview.

For further information email our Membership Director,
55
For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card
James Banks via james@ciat.org.uk
or call us on +44(0)20 7278 2206

Doors, Windows & Facades

FastframeUk completes
complex new build

The Mary Hare School, for the profoundly deaf in Newbury,
Berkshire, can now benefit from the provision of their newly
built accommodation block. The main contractor for the build
was Sir Robert McAlpine and the company subcontracted
the installation of the windows and doors to Fastframe Uk.
The complexity and demanding nature of
the project meant that an experienced and
high quality contractor was required. It was
Fastframe Uk’s portfolio of successfully

Sika launches
new joint sealants
Global building
product
manufacturer
Sika has launched
two new joint
sealing solutions
to add to its
extensive range
of commercial
building facade
sealants. In
meeting the
high performance standards expected
of architects and specifiers, the new
SikaHyflex joint sealants are highly
durable, cost-effective and will enable a
‘one stop shop’ for all commercial building
applications.The SikaHyflex 250 Facade
is more suited to masonry application
including precast concrete panels, while the
SikaHyflex 260 Facade can be used where
high UV resistance is paramount such as
the sealing of metal facade components or
the perimeter sealing around windows.
*

(

56

sales@uk.sika.com
0800 1123863

completed high profile projects together with
the reassurance of the Deceuninck products
the company manufactures that helped to
secure the contract in this instance.

The architect had designed the building
to include very high specification windows
to ensure maximum safety and energy
efficiency. Extended folding openers were
required to meet a specific ventilation
requirement but also protect the pupils
inside. A Tremco EDPM membrane needed
to be fitted with the cavity closers to
create excellent heat retention. The glass
specified was 6.2mm Pilkington Suncool to
maximise energy efficiency. Paul Moody at
Fastframe Uk says: “PVCu windows offer
excellent energy efficiency these days and
the specification on these windows shows
just how far the technology has come. It
was a pleasure to work to such exacting
standards.”
FastFrame Uk installed Deceuninck’s
2800 series with a Foiled coating in
Anthracite Grey on the outside and white
on the inside, matching in with aluminium
doors in the same colour. Fastframe Uk’s
fitting teams worked alongside other trades
at the site to ensure the contract was
completed on time, something that meant
a great deal of planning and practicality
was required.
*

(

john.duckworth@deceuninck.co.uk
01935 474769
077

Litchfield Group launches
Masterdor thermal door

Masterdor has developed an ultra-high performance thermal door,
which delivers a U-Value of 1.0W/m2K combined with 60-minute fire
protection.The unrivalled Masterdor Thermal Fire door, which is suitable
for domestic and commercial use, delivers excellent thermal performance,
as well as structural strength and a high resistance to warping, bowing and
twisting, in the event of a fire. This door acts as a reliable reliable barrier
to the passage of smoke and/or fire for a full hour. Tested in accordance with British
Standard EN1634-1, the Masterdor Thermal Fire door passed 60-minute time-temperature
curve tests at temperatures of up to 1000°c to achieve excellent fire integrity rating.
*

gary.doxey@lbplastics.co.uk

(

01773 850595

079

Dulux Trade revamps
Weathershield colour guide
Paint manufacturer, Dulux Trade, has updated its Weathershield
colour guide to include a selection of its most popular woodcare
colours.The resource has been designed to provide inspiration for
specifiers, and to help them select the perfect colour palette for any
project.The pre-made schemes – divided into classic, country and
contemporary categories – ensure that colour selection for any
type of building is simple. Giving exceptional, long-lasting protection
to exterior masonry, wood and metal trim,Weathershield products
deliver outstanding performance whenever there is a need to
enhance the appearance of outdoor surfaces.

078
*

duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

(

08444 817 818

080

Doors, Windows & Facades

Tormax automatic
access at Toyota plant

Upgrading the experience for visitors to Toyota’s vehicle
manufacturing plant in Derbyshire, a set of TORMAX bi-parting
glass automatic doors were installed to provide easy access
between the Visitor Centre and the factory for the electric tour train.
TORMAX advised using its advanced
IP-65 rated operator as the door had to
be mounted externally due to positioning
of structural steel mullions. “TORMAX

worked successfully with the main
contractor to install the entrance system
within a tight two-week deadline, ensuring
it was ready for a large 20 year anniversary

celebration event attended by 50 VIPs,”
comments Ian Clemson, Principal Engineer,
Facilities and Environment at Toyota.
“The new automatic sliding door system
is a practical addition that also adds
aesthetic prestige.”
The TORMAX entrance incorporates
a concealed induction loop that will be
activated by the tour train to automatically
open and close the glass doors, allowing
safe entry and exit from the Assembly shop.
The IP-65 rated sealed units are designed
to deliver ongoing performance in a range
of challenging environments including
swimming pools, clean rooms and even
hospital operating theatres which need to
be pressure-washed. Manufactured to be
corrosion-free these superior operators
also allow automatic access to be installed
in salt-laden air such as on cruise ships.
“The entrance looks suitably impressive
and has received positive comments
from visitors,” explains Paul Lawson,
Area Manager for TORMAX. “A second
TORMAX entrance is due for installation
shortly.”

*

(

sales@tormax.co.uk
01932 238040

081

Swish products impress
at Redrow Development

Love at firstsite
with GEZE UK
Manufacturer of door and window control
systems, GEZE UK, has created an all-glass
dual entrance for firstsite, a world-class
contemporary visual arts organisation in
Colchester. Two giant pivoted glass door
leaves were installed, each with a smaller
door leaf cut out within it. Single Slimdrive
SL operators were then fixed through
glass onto each smaller door leaf. These
were then interfaced to work as a pair,
so the smaller doors automatically slide
apart as visitors approach, providing easy
access for all and minimal heat loss. When
the larger doors are required, the power
can be quickly disconnected with the
automatic doors open.
*

(

info.uk@geze.com
01543 443000

082

Residents of Redrow’s prestigious new housing
development in Lytham St Annes are enjoying attractive
and warm homes, thanks to Swish window and door
systems. Swish’s ‘A’ rated casement windows were used
for the family homes and villas in the development,
while curtain walling was also used for the villas, plus
the apartments. Beck Brown coloured foils were utilised
for the curtain wall and windows, in order to create a
modern, aesthetically appealing finish. Some of the larger properties on the development
also feature sliding patio doors, which adhere to Secured by Design specifications.
*

info@swishwindows.co.uk

(

083

0808 178 3040

Litchfield Group launches
Sheerframe Bi-fold door

The Litchfield Group, manufacturer of PVC windows and
external doors, has launched a pioneering bi-fold door system
with a 0.8W/m2K U-Value.The Sheerframe Bi-fold door
achieves industry leading thermal performance and energy
efficiency thanks to a unique four-seal design.This promotes
unbeatable air and water tightness, for lasting durability and weather resistance.The high
performance system also features Sheerframe’s five-chambered PVC profile, which improves
strength while minimising heat loss.The innovative profiles are made using 100% lead-free
PVC, utilising calcium stabilisers for an environmentally friendly, totally recyclable product.
*

gary.doxey@lbplastics.co.uk ( 01773 850595

084

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57

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

New lease of life given to
university accommodation
In this market two things are important: proactive
lead generation to secure contracts and high quality
workmanship to ensure total customer satisfaction.
A recent contract undertaken for the University of Aberdeen
by Deceuninck and FastframeUk demonstrates the
importance of these factors perfectly.
John Duckworth, Commercial Manager
at Deceuninck, supports Deceuninck
customers by actively securing commercial
opportunities for them and supporting
them through the tender process. One
new commercial marketing initiative
– an e-marketing campaign to specific
commercial markets – proved particularly
fruitful.
One lead came from the University of
Aberdeen. The University was looking
for a contractor who could replace steel
windows in student accommodation blocks
as part of a wider refurbishment project.
The job required a contractor who could
handle a large scale contract – the first of

GEZE UK
launches CPD on
new EN 16005

As a new
European safety
standard for
power operated
doorsets comes
into force, GEZE
UK is the first
company to offer
British architects
a CPD seminar
explaining the
implications of EN 16005. Approved by
RIBA, GEZE UK’s new training seminar
will explain how EN 16005 addresses the
potential hazards and hazardous situations
relevant to power operated doorsets and
the ways in which it supersedes and differs
to the more familiar BS 7036. GEZE UK’s
new CPD seminar will provide architects
with the accurate information they need
to ensure compliance by identifying which
products should be specified for particular
locations and applications.
*

(

58

cpd@geze.com
01543 443000

086

the building’s aesthetics.
Turnaround time from initial enquiry
to completion of the first phase was
remarkably rapid and demonstrated
Deceuninck and Fastframe’s commitment
to attention to detail and careful planning,
especially important in a contract of this
size and location.
The accommodation blocks have been
given a new lease of life aesthetically, not to
mention the benefits of improved energy
efficiency and security.

the two phases of the contract required
270 windows to be replaced, some with
folding openers to ensure the safety of
residents. Expertise in colour was also
needed: coloured PVC panels needed to be
installed between the windows to improve
aesthetics. Finally, efficiency was essential to
minimise disruption to student residents.
Deceuninck fabricator FastframeUk was
awarded the contract and the company
proved more than capable of completing
the job successfully. Two teams of fitters
installed 270 tilt and turn and casement
windows in Deceuninck’s 2800 decorative
series. PVC panels in anthracite grey were
installed between each window to enhance

*

(

john.duckworth@deceuninck.co.uk
01249 816969
085

Rehau hosts successful
Passivhaus seminar

More than 25 delegates attended Rehau’s recent Passivhaus
design and construction seminar from across North Wales
including representatives from local architects, surveyors,
councils and health authorities. The seminar allowed
delegates to explore some of the more complex aspects of Passivhaus design and to see
close up how the features of a product like Rehau’s Geneo self reinforced window and door
system make them suitable for Passivhaus specifications. Solar Windows was at the event
to demonstrate successful applications of the Geneo technology in the UK. Based on the
event’s resounding success, Rehau has a third seminar in London scheduled for September.
*

jayne.blackborow@rehau.com

(

0207 580 6155

087

Alu-Timber introduces
EFT curtain walling

After extensive research and consultation, the next
innovation from market leading timber/aluminium facade
supplier, Alu-Timber, is now available. Alu-Timber EFT
is a 60mm curtain wall system which offers Capped,
2sided Structural Glazing with vertical or horizontal
capping, and 4sided Structural Glazing. As standard, Alu-Timber EFT is available in Larch
engineered timber. For design flexibility, Alu-Timber offers a palette of timber species. The
external aluminium can be finished in a myriad of polyester powder colours or anodising. AluTimber also introduces the unique Alu-Timber EFT magnetic fixing. Not only is the transom
supporting the facade vertically but it ensures integrity, security and loading into mullions.
*

projects@parksidegroup.co.uk

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

With vast experience in the commercial and domestic markets,
Rooflight Architectural manufacture and supply lantern lights, pitched
glazing, and walk-on rooflights to any size or specification. With thin site
lines and availability in any colour, we offer a one stop solution, including
technical advice, CAD drawings and nationwide installation.

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

59

Doors, Windows & Balustrades
with Hörmann’s unique twin rollers that
add to the stability and longevity of this
door. The open ended aluminium floor rail
is easy to keep free from leaves and dirt and
guides the door panels securely, essential
for both the manual and automatic versions.
Double automatic safety cut-outs on
the opening and closing cycle, plus the
designed in finger trap protection, on both
the inside and outside, add to the safe
operation of this door.
42mm thick polyurethane insulation
enhances the strength and rigidity of each
panel and combined with the flexible
weather resistant seals, keeps the
elements out.
Available in three styles, one panelled
and two ribbed options, and three finishes
– Woodgrain, Silkgrain and Decograin.
There are 15 preferred colour options as
well as the standard white and a Golden
Oak Decograin finish. To add to the styling
detail, there is a range of seven coloured
handles required for both manual
operation and for the handle operated
wicket door function.

Simple garage access
with Hörmann HST
The Hörmann HST side sliding sectional door offers the
benefits of a modern, insulated, sectional door for garages
where headroom is limited.
Smooth, quiet and safe, this new door
features the world’s first handle actuated,
automatic wicket door function. A simple
press of the handle or handset will open
the door to a predetermined point.

Whether access for a bicycle, motorcycle,
wheelbarrow or just a person is required,
the wicket door function can be set to
any width to suit you.
Precise and easy door travel is achieved

*

(

info@hormann.co.uk
01530 513000

092

DR Services launches
super-fast website

Air curtain
collaboration at
Drapers Gardens
Air curtain specialist, JS Air Curtains,
and entrance specialist, Blue Chyp, have
recently supplied and installed four
revolving door air curtains at Drapers
Garden office complex in the City of
London. JS Air Curtains’ Rotowind
range was designed to meet the specific
conditions of a revolving door. By
combining a Rotowind with a revolving
door system, cold air is prevented from
entering.The main body of the Rotowind
air curtain is mounted above the door with
the curved air outlets creating a barrier
around the inner opening of the doorway.
*

(

60

sales@jsaircurtains.com
01903 858656

093

A specialist distributor and installer of sliding systems
and glass fittings is looking to the future with the
launch of its new website, which is clear, concise and
very easy to navigate. DR Services’ homepage features
high quality, scrolling photographs to inspire the surfer as to the potential architectural
applications for glass in both domestic and commercial situations. Beneath these images are
sections to guide the viewer around the website. Under ‘What We Do,’ for example, are
further subsections such as Engineering, Large Scale Glazing and Corrective Services – the
latter detailing the fact that the company can rescue situations caused by previous trades.
*

info@drservices.co.uk

(

01279 445277

094

Contemporary office project
selects Sapphire Balustrades
A bespoke package of balustrades and associated steelwork from
Sapphire Balustrades is providing function with style in an international
media company’s new London offices. Glass and stainless steel
balustrades, with custom-detailing such as illuminated handrails and
back-painted glass panels, are installed to stairways and atrium voids
in the state-of-the-art office accommodation in Camden. Sapphire
manufactured and installed all internal balustrades and also supplied the large steel structure
for the central staircase. The comprehensive product package was supported by Sapphire’s
unique personal service from concept to completion, ensuring a high quality installation which
satisfied the aesthetic specification and met functional and regulatory requirements.
*

sales@sapphirebalustrades.com

For a faster response visit www.fca-magazine.com or use the free reader enquiry card

(

0844 88 00 553

095

Doors, Windows & Balustrades

Flamebreak ticks
all the boxes
As popularity of James Latham’s high
specification door blanks, Flamebreak, continues
to grow, the UK’s largest independent timber and panel
products distributor is now offering them directly from stock
at every one of its nine nationwide panel sites.
Available as FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council), Flamebreak door blanks are
manufactured with a special three layer
tri-laminated hardwood timber core,
which helps to eliminate gaps, rippling and
telegraphing. They are also lightweight
and have an excellent substrate for easy
machining and conversion, making them

easy to handle and fix.
The Flamebreak range boasts an
extensive list of industry recognised
accreditations and certifications including;
British Standard BS476 (Part 22 1987) and
BS EN1634 – 1 as well as PAS23 and PAS24.
Flamebreak door blanks also hold DD171
and BS EN 1192 ratings for durability and
wear and tear and have been successfully
tested to meet the requirements of the
BWF Certifire Scheme as well as attaining
BMTRADA Q Mark.
Plus, the benefits of these high
specification door blanks don’t end there.
Flamebreak achieves U-values of 0.9/m2K
for thermal insulation as well as sound

insulation readings as high as 35dB.
Latham’s Manager for doors, Steven
Dennard, says: “The benefits of Flamebreak
door blanks are there for all to see.
They boast a long list of technical and
environmental features and weighing in at
only 31kg each for a plywood faced 2135 x
915 x 44mm, means a single door blank can
easily be worked and machined by
one man.”
Flamebreak door blanks are not only
technically superior but also aesthetically
superior too and can easily be laminated,
painted or veneered.
*

(

marketing@lathams.co.uk
0116 257 3415

096

Online Enquiry 097
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61

HVAC

Double winners at the
National Heat Pump Awards
The third National Heat Pump Awards held at the ICC Birmingham
last month proved to be a crowning moment for Space Air Solutions.
Under the category, Product Innovation – Ancillary Product, Space Air’s
unique Daikin Altherma Accessory Kits won the main award.
Space Air has been designing and
manufacturing ancillary components, to fully
optimise the efficiency of Daikin systems,
for over 32 years. The company now has a
library of over 2000 existing templates and
more than 500 stock items.
Neil Afram, Managing Director of
Space Air Solutions, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Daikin Distributor
Space Airconditioning plc, maintains that
each Daikin Altherma heat pump system
installed should be, as closely as possible,
a replica of the next. With this in mind
Space Air developed its unique Daikin
Altherma accessory kit. The kit ensures
that each installation is fully compliant
with current regulations, creates a uniform

standard across all projects, fully optimises
the efficiency of the system and extends
operational life; in turn this reduces
trouble-shooting calls. The purposely
written literature that goes out with the
kits has been developed to educate end
users, heating engineers and plumbers alike.
Double winners, Space Air was also
presented with the special ‘Recognised for
Excellence’ Award for ‘Energy Monitoring’.
Neil Afram comments: “Every Space Air
supplied Daikin Altherma system comes
complete with a consumer watt meter to
monitor the system’s energy consumption
and provide readings, which are also taken
at time of annual maintenance. As each
system is also provided with the Daikin

Altherma accessory
kit, the actual
readings when
compared to the
original predictions
are often
outperformed.”
The Daikin
Altherma c-series
wall-hung split heat
pump system manufactured
by Daikin Europe was also highly
commended during the Awards gala event.

*

(

marketing@spaceair.co.uk
01483 252252

098

Vent-Axia showcased
Ultra safe heating
within Dwelle Micro Building solutions from
British fan manufacturer Vent-Axia showcased its Sentinel Kinetic
Jaga
MVHR within a Dwelle Micro Building at the recent Grand
Designs Live. Dwelle, the Manchester-based architects, presented
a brand new range including a scaled-down slice through one of
their timber framed structures.The flexible Sentinel Kinetic is a
whole house heat recovery system.Warm, moist air is extracted
from ‘wet’ rooms through ducting and passed through the heat
exchanger before being exhausted outside. Fresh filtered incoming
air is preheated via the integral heat exchanger which recovers up
to 88% of the heat energy that would otherwise be wasted.
*

jenny.smith@vent-axia.com

(

099

0844 856 0590

Hudevad – 165 years of
history in manufacturing
This year Hudevad marks its 165th year of manufacturing products
having started life in the 19th century making cast iron domestic
appliances and has evolved to where it is today – an acknowledged
pan-European leader in the manufacture of heating product
solutions in the form of radiators for all residential and commercial
sites. Hudevad radiators adorn art galleries, prestige office interiors,
hotels, homes, apartments, retail, and heritage sites – there are
products in virtually every possible conceivable type of building. Key to the company’s
longevity is the commitment to quality in product design & development and manufacture.
*

62

sales@hudevad.co.uk

(

02476 88 1200

100

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Keir Hardie Health
Park is a new
£30m healthcare
development funded
by Cwm Taf Health
Board in Merthyr
Tydfil. Partnered
with air-source
heat pumps, Jaga’s
Maxi Low-Surface
Temperature and Basic radiators have both
been used in general access areas, and
also in the private and consulting rooms
to provide safe, energy-efficient heating.
The Maxi LST was specified because of its
energy-efficient, robust features including
a cool-to-touch protective casing with
curved edges to prevent burns or injury
for those most vulnerable like children
or the elderly. The Basic meanwhile is
a lightweight, contemporary radiator,
equipped with a scratch-resistant casing.
*

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63

Building Elements
and we have the opportunity to admire the
work of others in the same field.”
The winning projects will be announced
at the Awards ceremony on 27th June 2013
at the Royal Aeronautical Society in the
West End of London.
The Galvanizers Association is the source
of free information and advice about the hot
dip galvanizing process and the galvanizing
industry.

Galvanized coatings
of distinction

Powdertech (Corby) is entering the prestigious Galvanizers
Association Galvanizing Awards (GAGA 2012) with two
notable projects in the Duplex Category for projects that
feature galvanized steel coated with an organic coating.
Powdertech Sales Director, Richard Besant,
explains: “This year is the 20th anniversary of
the competition. So I think it is about time we
stood up to be counted amongst our peers.
We are particularly proud of our work at
Gresham Mill in Berkshire where we coated
architectural galvanised metal on the exterior
of the carefully restored Victorian facade.

“At Heron Quays on Canary Wharf
the approach was entirely contemporary:
we galvanized and powder coated the
perimeter balustrade around a pontoon.
“Entering and attending an awards
ceremony like this is inspiring; we
appreciate the aesthetic and performance
qualities of projects we have worked on

*

(

richard.b@powdertech.co.uk
01536 400890

106

Technal launches
new visualisation tool
Technal has launched the only visualisation tool
currently available in the UK for architects and specifiers
to produce 2D and 3D drawings and 3D renders for
architectural aluminium facade designs.TechSketch has
been developed following consultation with leading
architects to enable building designers to sketch out initial concepts and ideas quickly and
easily, incorporating Technal’s GEODE-MX curtain walling, MODAL low rise glazing, brise soleil
sunshading, sloped glazing, and window and door infills.This is an easy-to-use software package
for building designers to create and visualise a true-scale facade in Technal’s products, improving
accuracy and saving time.To view a demonstration, see www.techsketch-by-technal.com
*

info@technal.co.uk

(

01924 232323

107

Increased demand
prompts new website
Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK supplier of preowned Portakabin buildings, has launched a new website,
www.foremansbuildings.co.uk, to meet the rising demand for
second hand modular buildings. Mike Williams, Managing Director of
Foremans, says: “Our aim with the new site is to showcase the best
applications of our buildings from across the UK to provide visitors
with a really useful source of information to help the procurement
process – from the specification of layouts, colours and finishes, to finance options, and the
full range of planning, design and refurbishment services that we can provide.”
*

64

info@foremansbuildings.co.uk

(

01964 544344

108

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Portakabin
achieves top
rating for stability
Portakabin, a leading modular building
manufacturer, has achieved the highest
possible rating from Dun & Bradstreet,
the world’s leading source of business
information. This award puts Portakabin
in the top 15% of all companies in the
UK and Ireland for financial stability. The
‘rating 1’ status, which Portakabin has
achieved for another year, indicates that
the business is low risk and maintains
its high creditworthiness. Portakabin
also offers unrivalled commitment to
customer service. Over the past 10 years,
it has delivered an unprecedented 99.7%
of buildings on time and on budget.

information@portakabin.co.uk
( 0845 401 0010
109
*

Building Elements

BaitSafe – the best kept
secret in pest control
BaitSafe has recently been installed in a prominent five star
London hotel, targeting severe rodent issues in the walls
and ceilings of the kitchens and reception areas. It has also been
specified for use in the kitchens of a high profile entertainment facility,
targeting pest issues safely and securely out of the reach of employees.
These all feature an ultra discreet solution, protecting customers and
staff from the negative attention that pests can create. BaitSafe can be
installed at build stage or retro-fitted and can’t be moved, emptied or
accessed by anyone but your pest controller, ensuring that access to
bait is controlled and protected.
*

info@sxenv.com

(

110

0800 0851 451

Dickies’ competition
proves a hit at Oulton Park
UK Worker of the Year 2013, which officially launched over
the Dickies British Superbike Weekend, proved a sensational
hit amongst thousands of racing fanatics. UK Worker of the
Year 2013 is sponsored by Dickies, in association with Suzuki.
This year’s winner will be able to take home a Suzuki Swift
car or if they prefer, a Suzuki bike. This will mark the fourth
year of the competition presented by the legendary workwear company, Dickies, which
seeks to recognise and reward excellence in the British workforce. The competition is
free to enter and open to any UK worker aged 17 or over.
*

workeroftheyear@chicanemarketing.com

(

Portakabin has announced that all 600
building modules that it supplied for
the London 2012 Games have now
been recycled and re-used to provide
accommodation for other organisations
around the UK. Portakabin was one of
the first suppliers on the Olympic site,
providing a three-storey building for 400
Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) staff at
Stratford in 2008.This major development
accommodated high specification offices,
security facilities, and an extensive training
centre. Many of the buildings were supplied
with air conditioning, security alarm
systems, furniture, data communications,
and access ramps and steps.
*

111

01761 419419

Portakabin
redeploys
modular buildings

(

information@portakabin.co.uk
0845 401 0010
112

Three elevator
brands merge
to form Avire
KNX UK unveils
award winners
At the KNX UK Association’s AGM
2013, the Annual Award winners were
announced. KNX Champion was Stephen
Payne of Theben who received the accolade
for his commitment to the promotion of
KNX technology. Stephen also received,
on behalf of Theben, the Award for the
Best New KNX Product.Winner of the
KNX Installation of the Year was systems
integrator Entech Limited for the new ITV
offices at Salford Quays. Also at the AGM,
new Board members were appointed –
Simon Allen, Bespoke Automation; Richard
Sagar, Sagar Smart Homes; John Preston,
Philips Lighting; Paul Russell, Schneider
Electric; Andy Davis, Siemens.

admin@knxuk.org
( 0845 869 5908
*

113

Avire – the new home of E-Motive, TL
Jones and Memco – offers an extensive
range of safety and communication
products. With manufacturing locations
in Singapore, China, India and the Czech Republic, and sales offices in 13 locations worldwide,
Avire is a truly global brand. Avire’s products include light curtains, electronic displays,
emergency telephones and LED lighting. Explaining the new company’s mission, Managing
Director Paul Simmons says: “Avire is dedicated to innovation and excellence and is united in
a single goal: to give our customers unrivalled quality and value, in a name they can trust.”

*

faye.wilson@avire-global.com

(

114

01628 540161

Helifix in tune with
conversion requirements
To meet strict Building Regulations governing its change
of use from a former carpet warehouse to a modern city
academy, the Grade II listed ‘Piano Building’ in Kidderminster
required 1500 linear metres of stainless steel HeliBar from
Helifix to reinforce and secure brick panels on all elevations.The contract was won by Eden
Group of Birmingham, an Approved Installer of Helifix’s proven repair and reinforcement
systems. Eden channelled-out every other mortar joint before bonding 7m long x 8mm
diameter Helifix HeliBars into the cut slots with HeliBond cementitious grout.The HeliBars
were overlapped by 500mm to ensure continuous reinforcement within the brick panels.
*

sales@helifix.co.uk

(

020 8735 5200

115

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65

Building Elements

BIM forms part of new
Higher Apprenticeship

Dulux Trade
reaches new
heights

Building information modelling (BIM) forms an
important part of the new Higher Apprenticeship
in Engineering Environmental Technologies
which will be available from July. The NVQ Level
4 qualification is for people working in the
construction and building services sectors. MITIE
and Balfour Beatty are two of the industry giants to have helped shape the qualification,
which has been welcomed by The Chartered Institute of Building. City & Islington College
is the lead partner developing the qualification supported by Sector Skills Councils SEMTA,
SummitSkills and Construction Industry Council (CIC) on behalf of Construction-Skills.

A range of
premium coatings
from Dulux Trade
has been selected
to protect and
enhance The Shard,
Western Europe’s
tallest building.
Dulux Trade
Metalshield Satin
Finish was used
on the core metal
work located
throughout the
72 storey building, including the metal
doors and frames. To achieve a top
quality, contemporary finish for the walls
and internal structural columns, Dulux
Trade Vinyl Matt was specified in a Pure
White shade (RAL 9010), and for the
internal woodwork and trim Dulux Trade
Diamond Satinwood was applied.
*
(

8 www.futureengineeringtalent.co.uk

(

0207 700 9419

117

Recycling unit to engage the user
The launch of Wybone’s multi-sensory, solar powered Strobe
signifies an industry first in interactive recycling. This allencompassing design includes audio-visual feedback and tactile
Braille text ensuring inclusivity. Every aspect of this unit has been
designed to encourage and promote recycling and ultimately
boost recycling rates, whilst also engaging the user. Transparent
panels help to quickly identify waste streams on approach,
whilst audio messages “thank you for recycling” trigger the
deposit counter and flashing LEDs. Bespoke audio messages and
artwork options make the unit unique to each location whilst
solar power creates a standalone unit with minimal installation.

duluxtraderesponse@tangerinepr.com
0870 242 1100
116

*

sales@wybone.co.uk

(

01226 744010

118

Definitive resource
from Videx Security
Product Builder 8 from Videx Security is the definitive
method for any distributor or installer looking to create
both door entry and access control systems in any
format, from the simplest to the most complicated.The
user can now create a professional, detailed estimate
from just one program.The most important feature of Product Builder 8 is that it allows the
creation of a door entry or access control system from the same CD. No prior knowledge of
Videx products or systems is required. Using a simple five-step wizard, users are guided through
the creation of a system that can include not only products from the traditional Videx product
range, but also the latest VX2200 & VX2300 systems, kits, GSM and access control products.
*

marketing@videx-security.com

(

119

0870 300 1240

Memco celebrates product milestone
Leading provider of lift safety and communication systems Memco is about to supply
its two millionth set of light curtains. To celebrate this milestone, Memco is running a
global competition. Five customers lucky enough
to find a gold ticket included with their set of
Panachrome or E-Series detectors will
be able to claim a special prize. Memco’s
products are installed all over the world.
Buildings and transport facilities protected by
the company’s light curtains include the London
Underground, the British Library and Terminal 3
at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
*

66

sales@memco.co.uk ( 01628 540161

120

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Alpro introduces
adjustable
transom closers
Alpro Hardware has added an adjustable
spring strength transom closer to their
extensive range of architectural hardware.
The unit uses the same footprint as the
existing closers and so is easily retro
fitted into existing applications, as well
as new installations. The unit uses all the
standard accessories which are available
as both part of the transom closer kit and
as optional extras. The unit has adjustable
closing and latching speeds and is available
in both hold open and non-hold open
models. Designed for aluminium doors,
the new unit allows for ease of installation
and low maintenance.
*

(

info@alpro.co.uk
01202 676262

121

Building Elements

Online Enquiry 122

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